BIG BEN AT TWO
Cat’s purring
BEN MURDOCH-MASILA bludgeoned Widnes into submission with two awesome tries.
The 18st Tonga international back rower was simply unstoppable when he got on a charge.
Helpless Vikings centre Charly Runciman was carried almost 10 metres as he tried and failed to stop the second try.
Salford coach Ian Watson said: “Benny is difficult to tackle for front rowers let alone half-backs and players on the edge.”
His deadly double helped seal a win that takes Salford third as they continue to mount a genuine title bid.
Watson added: “Some people were writing us off when they saw the injuries we had but the boys who’ve come in have shown their value.
Fight
“It’s good that people are seeing us as a threat now. If you want to be a top team that is what you want.”
Bottom club Widnes had beaten St Helens last week but they were outclassed by a Red Devils side that was ravaged by injuries.
Vikings coach Denis Betts said: “It is frustrating. We put in a lot of effort to beat Saints but weren’t able to back it up with something similar.”
Salford led 12-0 at half-time with the first of Murdoch-Masila’s tries and a spectacular effort from Greg Johnson.
Widnes stayed in the fight with two tries from Tom Gilmore and Pat Ah Van, either side of a Niall Evalds try for the home side.
But Murdoch-Masila made Salford safe with his second, which makes him the Red Devils’ leading scorer on seven. Winger Jake Bibby rounded off the win with his first try of the season, with Michael Dobson kicking five goals. WARRINGTON’S Kev Brown has been called into the England squad following an injury to Wigan half-back George Williams. ® Wakefield 30 Catalans 10