Big victories on Friday night for both Leeds and Leigh saw Salford slip out of the top six to seventh place. The Red Devils had destiny in their own hands but couldn’t afford to slip up against Catalans in their final regular home match of the season. 

It seemed a very tense atmosphere outside the ground leading up to kick off. The supporters knew the importance of this match because one thing you don’t want at this stage of the season is to be relying on other teams results.

The Dragons arrived on the back of some very poor form with just two wins from seven since beating Salford 20-0 in July. Catalans only win in August came away at Huddersfield 22-23. With disappointing defeats to Castleford, London and Leeds the playoffs were starting to drift away from their grasp. 

Salford coach Paul Rowley brought Ryan Brierley back in at fullback with Chris Hankinson on the bench. Gil Dudson returned at prop with Joe Bullock on the bench with Jack Ormondroyd, Chris Atkin and Harvey Wilson missing out.

From the kick off Marc Sneyd went short trying to catch the Dragons cold but this didn’t work and immediately put the visitors on the front foot. It was well over five minutes into the match before Salford gained any possession and after five consecutive sets of six attacking Catalans only managed a penalty goal which put them in front 0-2.

Sneyd’s high kick caused really panic and when two Dragons players collided attempting to diffuse the situation Joe Mellor was first to react. The Salford hooker sent Jayden Nikorima racing over to score against his former club. 

Dudson’s poor tackle attempt allowed the Dragons to break down field with some terrific support play. Arthur Mourgue finished off a wonderful move to level the score at 6-6.

Salford looked to be controlling the match but the visitors were having success with a very positive offload game. A clever Sneyd kick forced a drop out and Ethan Ryan was caught high but surprisingly this week no yellow card was shown. The Red Devils weren’t to be denied though and two minutes before half time Joe Mellor rolled back the years showing his subtle footwork to out fox the Catalans defence. Sneyd converted, 12-6. 

It was Sneyd who made his mark in the early stages after the break. A masterful forty-twenty kick set Salford up and the ball went left at quite a pace. Brierley sent Tim Lafai over for a super try. 

Sam Tomkins replaced Theo Fages in a desperate attempt to force Catalans back into a game that was drifting away from them. Sneyd kicked a penalty goal as the Dragons became frustrated. Tomkins seemed to question every decision referee Liam Moore made but Salford could see they had the visitors swaying on the ropes. From a set scrum a breathtaking move saw Lafai put Deon Cross over with a pass that was worth the entrance money. Sneyd converted and Salford led 26-6 and they certainly deserved it.

Bailey Sironen grabbed a try to reduce the deficit to 26-12 but the Dragons were well and truly rattled. They continued with their rough and ready approach but Salford were wise to it and very composed. Moore kept his cards in his pocket which seemed unusual to what we have witnessed so far in 2024 and the Dragons were lucky to keep a full complement of players. 

Tomkins spilled the ball in a crunching tackle and Salford were away cutting loose down the pitch at speed. Ethan Ryan went over and the video referee went over it time and again before coming up with a no try decision. 

The Salford supporters were magnificent cheering their side home to a crucial two points. They lifted the players in the final quarter of the match and with Sneyd controlling the game the result was never in doubt. 

The game threatened to boil over with Tomkins antics but amongst the noise and confusion up stepped Sneyd to calmly land a drop goal from about forty yards out. 

The result takes Salford back up to fourth place with two matches remaining.

Coach Paul Rowley was delighted with his sides performance and insisted that his side were desperately looking to continue their 2024 journey. With yet more twists and turns to come it’s another trip to Hull on Saturday. This time the West of the City to face Hull Fc.

Salford 27 Catalans 12.

Paul Whiteside.

Big thanks to Steve McCormick for the photos.