It was a very busy weekend in the capital with the FA Cup semi finals, the London Marathon and Salford’s visit to the Cherry Red Records Stadium.
The Broncos play right in the heart of Wimbledon sharing a cracking ground with the football team.
The Red Devils had made the wise decision of travelling down the day before to avoid the traffic chaos. It was a fine and dry afternoon as the two sides came out to warm up with a gentle breeze. The travelling Salford supporters were behind the posts and had arrived in good numbers.
Ethan Ryan came back in the side to replace David Nofoaluma with Joe Mellor starting at hooker for the suspended Amir Bourouh.
Defences were on top in the early stages and Salford limited the Broncos to any real field position as the hosts struggled to get out of their own half.
London stand-off Oli Leyland caused Salford problems and was a difficult player to put down. Live wire Leyland almost set up a try on the right flank but when he tried a similar move on the left his perfect pass set up Iliess Macani to open the scoring.
Ryan Brierley poked his nose through the London defence a few times and when he cut loose Kallum Watkins was in support to level the scores at 4-4.
Marc Sneyd converted to nudge Salford in front 4-6.
Deon Cross broke and with a good over lap couldn’t quite find the pass required as another Salford chance went begging. The Red Devils dominated possession and territory but wasted plenty of chances in a first half full of errors.
Salford got the start they needed after the break. A looping Sneyd pass put Cross in at the corner.
Sneyd nailed the conversion off the touch line to give the visitors a vital eight point cushion. Broncos captain Will Lovell was sent to the sin bin for a dangerous tackle and now seemed the perfect opportunity for Salford to put the game to bed. Once again though composure was lacking as Cross broke through again before another error let the Broncos off the hook.
When King Vuniyayawa was shown the red card with twenty four minutes remaining it was obvious this game was going the distance.
London lacked that attacking threat and cutting-edge leaving chances very limited. Salford were comfortable and rarely threatened as the final quarter of the matched past without much significance.
Tim Lafai had a try disallowed four minutes from time by the video referee. A try was awarded on the field but after consultation with the replay’s this was overturned.
Salford had done enough though and the hooter sounded much to the relief of the Red Devils and their travelling army of supporters.
It was far from a polished performance but the two points gained could be vital at the end of the season.
Salford are back in action next Saturday against an in-form Warrington Wolves side which are full of confidence. Sam Burgess has got his side playing some excellent Rugby and this will be a huge test for Paul Rowley and his players.
London Broncos 4 Salford 12.
Paul Whiteside.
Big thanks to Steve McCormick for the photos.
Paul Whiteside Rugby League 