Most of the talk around Salford this week involved Hull and their pursuit of Paul Rowley. Many supporters believed the Salford coach was about to leave and join the Airlie Birds. That didn’t materialise and Rowley remains at the Red Devils which is a huge boost to the club and the supporters. Sometimes in sport certain teams with a bit of financial clout flex their muscles and expect to get their own way. Salford however stood up to this and showed the Rugby League world they are a tight knit club that are standing on their own two feet and competing well in the sports elite competition.

Warrington Wolves have started the season in very good form and this game would be another huge test. All eyes were on how Rowley’s players would react after a week of speculation.

It was a fine dry day making conditions perfect for fast flowing Rugby League. The pitch looked immaculate, it really is a hallowed turf at the Salford Community Stadium.

The Red Devils made one change with Chris Atkin starting at stand off and Cade Cust moving to the bench.

Warrington were missing Matty Ashton so Matty Russell started on the wing. Rising star Leon Hayes partnered George Williams in the halves with Stefan Ratchford in the centres.

Both packs went toe to toe in the early stages with some ferocious tackling on display.

Tim Lafai put Salford in front showing tremendous strength to palm off numerous Warrington defenders to score out wide. Marc Sneyd failed to convert, 4-0.

Salford should of doubled their lead from a thrilling Ryan Brierley break but the fullback couldn’t find the support to finish the chance off.

Wolves forward James Harrison powered through some suspect tackling to level the score and Ratchford converted the visitors edged in front 4-6.

Warrington extended their lead when Brierley rather casually dealt with a kick into the in goal area. George Williams managed to sneak round Brierley and ground the ball for a soft try.

After playing the whole eighty minutes last week Joe Mellor was again working his socks off at hooker for Salford. He was rewarded for his hard work with a nice try from dummy half catching the Wolves defence cold. Sneyd converted to level the match at 10-10.

King Vuniyayawa went off for a head assessment and didn’t return after failing it. This left Salford with just three substitutes in what was already turning into a bruising encounter.

As the clock counted down to half time Sneyd saw the opportunity for a drop goal and calmly popped one over to give the hosts a well deserved lead at the break 11-10.

The first points of the second half came for the Wolves. Ratchford edged them back in front with a penalty goal. Then came a long stoppage after Warrington scrum half Leon Hayes picked up a very nasty ankle injury. He was stretched off before play resumed.

Jack Ormondroyd was immense at times making good progress every time he drove the ball in laying a platform for the Red Devils to work from. Andrew Dixon again impressed with another hardworking performance and Nene McDonald played arguably his best game in a Salford shirt.

Great pressure from Ethan Ryan forced a mistake from Russell and on the next play Mellor broke through, kept his composure to pass to Brierley who looked to be in under the posts. The video referee didn’t agree and overturned the try but it was mighty close.

Moments later Paul Vaughn thought he’d score for the Wolves but the video referee chalked that one off too.

With fifteen minutes remaining Cade Cust came off the bench to replace Mellor who had been absolutely outstanding. Ethan Ryan was caught high close to the touch line about forty yards out and with Salford trailing by just a point Sneyd opted to have a shot at goal from the penalty. His kick fell short and Warrington came away with possession but you got the feeling Salford had something left.

Another a thrilling break from McDonald caused panic for Warrington, he kicked inside and when Brierley was tackled without the ball behind the try line the referee went to check with the video for a possible penalty try. After a few minutes of debate the try was given to put Salford back in front. Sneyd converted 17-12.

Nine minutes remained and it seemed like plenty of time for the Wolves to snatch a victory. This Salford side though has so much character and desire. They defended stoutly and looked pretty comfortable as the minutes drifted by to the hooter.

Paul Rowley was delighted after the match with another famous win for his team. Rowley doesn’t mind the underdog tag and his relationship with his club and their supporters is something no amount of money can buy.

The Red Devils travel to Huddersfield next Friday in what should be another super match.

Salford 17 Warrington 12.

Paul Whiteside.

Big thanks to Steve McCormick for the photos.