Super Evalds Haunts the Devils.
It was a fine dry night on the East coast of Hull for this Challenge Cup fixture. Perfect conditions for Rugby League with a slight breeze from the docks just in the distance. Outside the ground the smell of Hot Dogs and the sound of electric generators very much similar to night games at the old Willows ground of Salford.
The Robins were beaten finalists at Wembley last year and expectations amongst there supporters were running high.
Both sides were forced into making changes to their starting lineups from last weekend.
The Robins were without Mikey Lewis, Jez Litten started in he halves alongside Tyrone May. Former Salford star Niall Evalds started at fullback with Joe Burgess on the wing.
Salford coach Paul Rowley started Ethan Ryan on the wing against his former club. Cade Cust returned at standoff with Jack Ormondroyd back in the pack. Oliver Partington was back in the side after injury and he made the bench.
The Robins dominated possession early and Salford were very much on the back foot. A lovely pass from Evalds in the build up play sent Ryan Hall racing to the line and he finished really well.
The game then stopped for over ten minutes after a serious looking injury to Rovers centre Oliver Gildart. He was stretched off eventually by the medical team and lets hope he’s ok.
It was Evalds again who was running the show, linking up in the Robins attack superbly. Another neat pass set up Hall for his second try, Litten converted. 10-0.
The weather had took a turn for the worst and the rain was now quite heavy along with the blustery wind.
Evalds was on hand again to send Joe Burgess over with another perfect pass before it was all to easy for Kelepi Tanginoa who brushed off some shoddy Salford defence to put Rovers 22-0 ahead. The home side kept on hammering the Red Devils line and just before the half time break received a penalty. They opted to kick the goal when perhaps running it would of killed Salford off completely. 24-0 at the break was however a match winning lead.
Salford lost Ryan Brierley early in the second half as he limped off and things got worse when comedy defending led to Peta Hiku scoring Rovers fifth try of the night.
I can’t think of a clear cut chance Salford had in the entire forty minutes. The Robins played a simple game with plenty of enthusiasm and determination and were much better in every department.
Matty Storton went over from close range before the magical Evalds went in for a much deserved try three minutes from time.
It was a night to forget for the Red Devils who will now have to wait another twelve months for a Challenge Cup campaign.
It’s back to Super League action next Saturday with a tea time match at home to Leigh Leopards.
Hull Kingston Rovers 40 Salford 0.
Paul Whiteside.
Big thanks to Steve McCormick for the photos.
Paul Whiteside Rugby League 