Dismal run continues as Salford outclassed
SALFORD are now on a run of one win in 10 Super League matches after a 42-6 defeat away to Wigan – a result that means just three points separate fourth from eighth in the Super 8s.
“It wasn’t good enough from us as a group and we want to be better,” admitted coach Ian Watson.
“We want to compete. We’ve let Wigan in now, but we’ll be fighting with Wigan and everybody else going forward.
“We’ve met probably the three best teams at the moment in Hull, Castleford and Wigan, and we’ve not done ourselves any favours by putting that sort of performance in.”
Despite the result, Shaun Wane had positive words for the Red Devils and said: “I think what Marwan and Ian [Watson] and Ian Blease have done, from where they came from last year, regardless of what happens the rest of the season – and they’re dropping off because they’ve got some injuries – they’ve taken some massive strides, and that makes it a better win today.”
As in the Challenge Cup semifinal, Salford exerted some early pressure, forcing four successive sets in the opening minutes, but – as in the semi-final – failed to make any of it pay and soon found themselves well on the back foot. The Warriors were in clinical form ahead of next week’s trip to Wembley, scoring with their first real attack when Sean O’Loughlin dived on to a Sam Tomkins grubber, and they kept their foot on the gas throughout the first half. Excellent work from Oliver Gildart sent Joe Burgess over soon after, before Liam Farrell, Burgess again and Sam Powell helped to rack up a
We’ve let Wigan in now, but we’ll be fighting with everyone else going forward Ian Watson
26-0 lead for the home side – Wigan seemingly capitalising on every moment of indiscipline or error from the visitors.
And the picture was very similar at the start of the second period.
Salford pressed the Wigan line, earning back-to-back sets, but the Warriors’ defence held firm and instantly turned to attack when the ball went loose, George Williams capping an excellent break.
Frank-Paul Nuuausala barged over to make it 38-0 soon after, but even despite the number of points they’d racked up, the most impressive aspect of the performance from Wane’s side was their fierce defence – an aspect of their game that will need to be spot on in the cup final.
Salford did manage to penetrate the Wigan line eventually, however, with Niall Evalds robbing the ball from Williams after a Michael Dobson high kick and touching down with just over 10 minutes remaining.
It was scant consolation, and as the Warriors began to withdraw some of their key names in preparation for their Wembley showdown, all that was left was for Liam Marshall to tiptoe down the right touchline and take his side above the 40-point mark.