Mason delivers triple whammy

MASON CATON-BROWN, axed by Salford at the end of last season, returned to haunt his old pals as the Cats swept to a seventh win in a row.

The flying winger grabbed a hat-trick of tries to give the Super League surprise packages a psychological boost for their Challenge Cup quarter-final tie at second-placed Salford in a fortnight.

Fought

Caton-Brown raced 80m for the opening try and the Cats romped into a 16-0 lead until Jake Bibby notched the first of his two touchdowns just before the break.

Salford, aiming for their eighth successive victory, fought back to lead 24-22 with only four minutes left in a thrilling contest.

But then Max Jowitt broke clear in midfield and James Batchelor sent Caton-Brown over for his hat-trick effort.

Batchelor applied the finishing touch in the last minute with Wakefield’s other two tries coming from the outstanding Reece Lyne before he quit with a hamstring injury. Cats coach Chris Chester said: “Mason had to wait for an opportunity but has taken it with both hands.

“He’s got pace to burn and is an outstanding young British talent.

“We brought in six fresh faces today and that helped us in the closing stages and I thought we edged it.”

Salford boss Ian Watson said: “Wakefield deserved to win and took their opportunities.

“We didn’t and if you give Mason an open field he’s not going to get caught.

“We made too many self-inflicted errors.”

Forwards Craig Kopczak and Lama Tasi blasted over from short range as the Red Devils fought back in the second half but the Cats were full value for their first win at Salford in five visits.