Following a week’s rest, Paul Rowley’s Salford Red Devils set out to solidify their position in the top six against the Warrington Wolves, who were looking to bounce back after their Challenge Cup final heartbreak last Saturday at Wembley.
Head Coach Rowley made strategic changes, giving debuts to new signing Loghan Lewis and young talent Harvey Wilson, while Joe Mellor stepped in for Joe Shorrocks at hooker.
The game began with both teams trading sets evenly, but the Wolves slowly gained ground with some strong upfield carries. A tricky grubber and a swift chase almost trapped Chris Hankinson in-goal, but the fullback skillfully flicked the ball to Ethan Ryan, who quickly turned the play around for Salford.
Ryan’s break down the right soon led to Salford’s first try. Sam Stone ran a perfect line to break through the Wolves’ defense, finding Macdonald in support. Macdonald deftly cut inside Matt Dufty to score, putting Salford ahead.
A near miss followed when Tim Lafai intercepted a pass but hesitated near the try-line, allowing Warrington to recover. However, a subsequent foul by Dufty on Stone gave Marc Sneyd the chance to extend the lead to eight points from the kicking tee.
Sneyd then orchestrated another brilliant team try. His flick and Lafai’s tip sent Deon Cross racing down the left. Cross sold a clever dummy to Dufty before strolling over for a try.
Sneyd, a standout throughout the match, finally scored himself on 23 minutes. Kallum Watkins ran a sharp line and offloaded to Ryan. Ryan’s fake pass drew in Dufty, allowing Sneyd to score under the posts. His conversion, followed by a smart one-pointer, gave Salford a 19-0 lead at halftime.
The second half began with Salford almost scoring again through Hankinson, but a video referee ruled it out for obstruction by Sneyd. This moment shifted the momentum slightly, with Tai scoring for Warrington shortly after. A chipped kick from Stefan Ratchford found Tai in the corner, and after a lengthy video review, the try was confirmed.
Warrington quickly added a second try, capitalizing on a Salford error. Watkins’ attempted tip was intercepted by Toby King, who then set up Matty Ashton for an easy score. Despite these setbacks, Salford’s confidence remained intact.
Sneyd then set up another spectacular try with a perfect kick to Cross, who executed a superman-like dive to notch his second try in the left corner. Sneyd converted from the touchline with style.
At full-time, Tai scored his second try after a break by Josh Drinkwater, but it was merely a consolation. Salford secured a significant victory over a playoff contender.
Next up, Salford faces a formidable challenge with St Helens visiting next Sunday for an Armed Forces Day event at the Salford Community Stadium.
