St.Helens was the venue for round two of the Super league season.

Salford had met Hull twice last season behind closed doors and had the upper hand in both matches. A 54-18 win a Headingley was followed up a few weeks later at the Halliwell Jones Stadium with a 22-28 victory.

A lot of water has passed under the bridge since then though with both sides changing their coaches and beginning new era’s respectively.

After last weeks defeat against St.Helens Richard Marshall’s Red Devils are looking to bounce back. Hull had a very positive start last week with a comprehensive victory over Huddersfield Giants.

The big change to Salford’s starting thirteen saw Krisnan Inu drop out with Rhys Williams coming in to partner fellow countryman on the Welsh edge as I like to call it.

Hull had Marc Sneyd and Josh Reynolds at half back and the ever green Danny Houghton at hooker.

The weather was slightly cooler than of recent days but fine and dry as the match kicked off.

Both sides muscled up in defence in the early stages with chances at a minimum.

The first points of the match came just shy of the twenty minute mark. A nice short pass from Jake Connor sent forward Andre Savelio over. Sneyd’s touch line conversion was bang on the money. 0-6.

Salford were looking predictable on attack having very little possession in a Hull territory.

The Red Devils frustration increased when Ryan Lannon was sin binned for a late challenge on Sneyd. Hull increased their lead with a penalty goal from Sneyd.

Tui Lolohea looked a threat with his elusive running but Salford’s couldn’t quite piece the jigsaw together.

On the back of another conceded penalty Salford were under pressure and it was another slice of brilliance from Connor who this time set up Josh Reynolds to score. Sneyd again converted and the half time hooter went before the teams could restart. 0-14.

Hull hit the ground running in the second half. A Salford error deep in their own half gave Hull the opportunity to apply the pressure. Sneyd’s lovely measured kick gave Reynolds his second try to increase the lead.

Some quality down the a Hull left edge, Adam Swift kicked through and the bounce was kind to Josh Griffin who touches down. Sneyd made it five from five with his conversion and to add to Salford’s woes Dan Sarginson left the field with an injury.

Salford threatened down their right edge and were denied by some good defence from Swift. Moments later some slick play from Lolohea and Watkins put Ken Sio over. Lolohea sliced the conversion well short and wide.

Another soft penalty conceded led to more Hull points. This time Connor converted the goal with Sneyd off the pitch.

Hull continued to dominate as they outplayed Salford in every department.

With seven minutes remaining man of the moment Jake Connor rubbed salt in the wounds with a drop goal 4-29.

Hull were ruthless and unforgiving as they kept charging at a jaded Salford defence. Cameron Scott bulldozed his way over from close range as the clock counted down.

The hard working Elijah Taylor came off injured late on and was really struggling with his shoulder.

It was a day to forget for Salford, a masterclass display from Hull’s Jake Connor and after two Super League rounds they look a very competent and exciting side.

It’s back to the drawing board for Salford who face Widnes at the AJ Bell Stadium next Saturday in the Challenge Cup.

Salford 4 Hull 35.

Paul Whiteside.