After last Friday’s wonderful performance away at Warrington perhaps an even sterner test late in front of Paul Rowley’s Salford side as in-form St.Helens made the trip down the East Lancs for a Sunday afternoon match in glorious sunshine.
The Red Devils had created a bit of history a few months ago with their first away victory in the league at Saints since January 1980. Ironically Salford’s the last league double against St.Helens came that very season in 1979/80. Salford won at the Willows 25-21 on September 7th 1979 with a Keith Fielding hat trick. Then on January 12th 1980 a Kevin Ashcroft drop goal settled a tight game in Salford’s favour at Knowsley Road 17-18.
The media had been speculating a lot about the new coach of Leeds following the dismissal of Rohan Smith and Paul Rowley had been heavily linked with the position by certain media platforms. Salford and their supporters had their minds firmly on the task in hand with so much still to achieve in 2024. Despite being labelled as a team of misfits by some this Salford side deserves a little more respect than that as they continue to go about their business in a very professional manner.
The atmosphere around the stadium prior to kick off was filled with excitement on Armed Forces day and many people were prepared and on guard for the huge cannon that would go off. It caught quite a few people out last season, particularly if you were holding a drink!
Rowley kept faith with the side that played so well at Warrington, the only change saw King Vuniyayawa return on the bench in place of Harvey Wilson.
Paul Wellens named a strong St.Helens side with Jack Welsby at fullback. Jon Bennison started on the wing with Moses Mbye partnering Lewis Dodd at half back. Daryl Clark started at hooker with Jonny Lomax and Tommy Mackinson missing out.
The Match ball was delivered from the sky by the Red Devils parachute regiment in spectacular fashion. The scene was set for a thrilling afternoon.
The opening try went to the visitors after a defence clock off from Salford were a number of players were caught out of position. James Bell followed up a clever Dodd kick to touch down.
The match was being played at a tremendous pace and high tempo, Salford’s efforts were rewarded in the eighteenth minute when a planned move on the blind side saw Joe Mellor feed Deon Cross with a super pass. Cross finished well and Marc Sneyd’s touch line conversion levelled the score at 6-6.
When a Sneyd penalty attempt went absolutely miles wide Chris Atkin thought he’d scored but referee Jack Smith adjudged the goal kick attempt was missed on purpose and awarded Saints a penalty. It was a situation that I don’t think I’ve ever seen but credit to Sneyd for the inventiveness and vision.
Sneyd produced another pin point kick to provide Cross with his second try. The winger literally fell over the line to score a similar try to the one he got at Warrington last week. The conversion dragged wide but the Red Devils had a well deserved 10-6 lead at the break.
At times Conrad Hurrell looked vulnerable in defence and his mistake deep in his own half handed Salford another attacking opportunity. The home side failed to capitalise but broke through off another mistake. Watkins sent McDonald scorching to the line but the referee pulled it back for a forward pass.
Saints are a champion side and after soaking up so much pressure they hit back against the run of play with a try from Curtis Sironen. Mark Percival converted to nudge the visitors in front 10-12.
Salford continued to push Saints all the way and handed them the ultimate test in defence. The Red Devils were tremendous on attack and Sneyd again kicked out wide, McDonald palmed it back calmly before captain marvel Kallum Watkins held his nerve to dive over. Sneyd failed to convert as the lead changed hands again, this time Salford held a two point cushion 14-12.
Percival levelled the score at 14-14 with difficult looking penalty goal in the sixty third minute with the match now on a knife edge.
The video referee had to check the next incident, Percival crossed after some indecisive Salford defence. After checking the play and the grounding the try was given. The conversion was a crucial one and Percival dragged it wide. 14-18.
Salford had been excellent on attack all afternoon with some thrilling breaks and support play to back it up. Rowley’s hero’s rolled the dice one last time and were rewarded with the try of the match. An explosive move down the right edge saw McDonald cut loose, Ryan was in support and he kept his composure to pick the perfect pass to send Hankinson over for a try that nearly lifted the roof off the stadium. The energy from the players and the supporters was absolutely electric. Sneyd still had to take the conversion with the score level at 18-18. The crowd seemed to hush and Sneyd made no mistake.
Saints desperately tried to force the pass in the final minute but the mistake came in a frantic passage of play and the clock counted down to a famous and thoroughly deserved Salford victory.
This team and this City deserve the support. 2024 has been a very special year so far and who knows how much more this team can achieve on their journey.
Salford 20 St.Helens 18.
Paul Whiteside.
Big thanks to Steve McCormick for the photos.
Paul Whiteside Rugby League 