Not a gr-eight night
SALFORD’S POOR RUN CONTINUES AT HULL
SALFORD’S Super 8s campaign started with a 32-18 defeat against Hull last night.
This was a game between two sides who experienced contrasting fortunes in the Challenge Cup semi-finals last weekend, and two tries from Carlos Tuimavave and a stand-out show from Jake Connor gave Hull the win.
Salford, who were beaten by Wigan five days earlier to see their cup hopes dashed, opened the scoring in the 11th minute.
Manu Vatuvei had only been in the country a couple of days before the semifinal, but he scored his first try in the Super 8s when Hull switched off defensively on their right side. Todd Carney missed the conversion, but Salford led 4-0.
The lead lasted barely five minutes. Following a penalty, Albert Kelly eased his way through the Red Devils defence to score.
Connor’s conversion gave cup finalists Hull a 6-4 lead.
It got better for Hull in their next set when Connor, despite taking a blow to the face, provided the try assist for Tuimavave to slide over. Connor recovered to extend Hull’s lead to 12-4.
Niall Evalds scored a superb solo try teasing Jamie Shaul and Tuimavave one way, then the other before diving over the try line. Carney was off target with his conversion attempt to leave Salford trailing 12-8 after 28 minutes.
The visitors restored parity in their next set when Robert Lui powered his way over the line. Lui took over the goal-kicking duties from Carney and put the Reds in front 14-12.
When Craig Kopczak hauled down Albert Kelly with the Hull man in possession of the ball, it gave Connor the chance to level the score at half-time at 14-14 with a penalty.
Hull regained the lead seven minutes into the second half when Connor’s kick was timed perfectly for Fetuli Talanoa to climb high, and score. Connor converted for a 20-14 lead. Connor then found a way over the line shortly after Talanoa’s try. And from in front of the posts, his right boot made it 26-14.
Hull extended their lead further on the hour mark when Connor’s third try assist allowed Tuimavave over for his second try of the night. Connor’s sixth successful kick from six to make it 32-14.
Vatuvei scored a consolation unconverted try with 13 minutes remaining, but it was to be Hull’s night to celebrate.
■ Meanwhile in the Championship, SWINTON boss Stuart Littler will have five new players available to take on Batley Bulldogs tomorrow in the club’s first Championship Shield fixture.
The Lions have confirmed that forward Dan Norman has arrived on loan from Widnes Vikings, while halfback Thomas Coyle, fullback Jack Hansen, second-rower Mark Nicholson and French winger Ilias Bergal have all joined on permanent deals.
Stuart Naylor also has new faces available for OLDHAM’S match against Sheffield, which will be played at Wakefield.
Loan signings Luke Hooley and Ben Morris could make their debuts, while Kameron Pearce-Paul is fit to return from a sternum injury. George Tyson will be missing through suspension as he begins a two-game ban for punching.
ROCHDALE’S Ben Moores submitted an early guilty plea for a similar charge and will sit out his side’s trip to Dewsbury. However, Hornets coach Alan Kilshaw is able to call on Declan Kay and Kevin Penny from dualregistration partners Warrington Wolves.