Devils Demolition Job!

It was another trip to Humberside for Salford in their exciting chase for the playoffs. After defeat at Hull Kingston Rovers just over a fortnight ago the Red Devils destination was the West side of the city to face struggling Hull FC. 

The Airlie birds had won just three matches all season but those wins at come at their home ground so Salford couldn’t afford to be complacent. 

The playoff equation was pretty simple for Paul Rowley’s side, win this match and they were in. 

Salford’s Super League record in Hull doesn’t make nice reading with just four wins in 26 meetings since FC were promoted to the top flight in 1997. However they’d also won twice in the Challenge Cup on this ground. Who could forget Jake Mullaney’s touch line conversion and Rangi Chase dropping a goal in golden point extra time. 

Last weekend against Catalans confidence seemed to rebuild and looking back it was one of the best performances of the season. Lots of character and endeavour got Salford a very impressive win over a robust and tough Dragons outfit. 

Coming into this match Hull FC had lost eight games on the trot with their last victory coming against Wigan in July, a result that not many saw coming. During that run of games conceding points had been a major problem with 292 shipped in.

It was a fine dry September late afternoon as the two sides came out to warm up. The home supporters were desperately seeking some home comforts and a little bit of hope to build on in 2025. 

Salford made just two changes to the side that beat Catalans. Shane Wright replaced the injured Sam Stone in the back row with Loghan Lewis returning on the bench to fill Wright’s spot. 

Hull FC had former Red Devil Ed Chamberlain in the centre. Jack Charles the son of former Salford star Chris started at stand off with Jack Walker his half back partner. Jordan Lane and Brad Fash were the back row and the talented youngster Denive Balmforth was on the bench. 

The ground is one of the best in Rugby League with a very neat playing surface. The Salford supporters had brought a very noisy following with plenty of flags, banners and scarves on show. The scene was set for a very important eighty minutes of action.

Marc Sneyd forced a drop out with a teasing kick and Salford made it count. Wright ran well down the left channel and Tim Lafai was on hand to score the try after four minutes. Sneyd pulled the conversion wide. 0-4.

Another Sneyd kick paved the way for the next try. A huge high kick was knocked on by Logan Moy right in front of his own posts. Salford went left at the scrum and slick passing saw Jayden Nikorima put Deon Cross over in the same place as the first try. This one Sneyd converted to put the visitors in control at 0-10.

Loghan Lewis made an immediate impact with a determined run and a quick play the ball. Joe Mellor spotted the chance and darted under the sticks. 

Moments later Mellor was causing havoc again. Brad Singleton came belting forward like an Intercity express train and reached out to score. The determination on his face said it all. Sneyd converted 0-22 after twenty five minutes. 

In a first half where Hull struggled to get out of their own half young winger Harvey Barron impressed with plenty of hard work and a few half breaks. Salford however we’re ruthless and their fifth try came when Lafai took a loose pass to race half the length of the field to score. Sneyd made it four from five with his goal kicks. 0-28 at the break.

Fc were denied a try at the start of the second half by the video referee. Barron got up so high to challenge a high kick but fell awkwardly. Logan Moy dived over, referee Aaron Moore awarded no try on the field and video referee Liam Moore agreed.

Moments later another mistake from a high kick gifted Salford field position and Nene Macdonald powered through some soft tackling. Sneyd made no mistake, 0-34.

Chris Hankinson came off the bench to replace Ryan Brierley with half an hour left. 

It looked like Salford had two extra players when Wright walked in through a huge gap to score a very easy try. We then saw some vintage play from Kallum Watkins. He glided through and a sublime handoff paved the way for him to race over for Salford’s eighth try.

Barron came close from a Charles kick but agonisingly couldn’t hold possession over the try line. On the next play the ruthless Devils went from one end of the field to the other. Cross’s perfect pass sends Lafai over for his hat trick try.

The home side finally got some points with a try in the sixty sixth minute. Jack Walker floated a pass out a youngster Zach Jebson scored his first senior try. 4-52.

At times it seemed like a training session for Salford who looked far superior in every department. The FC supporters will be looking to the 2025 season and they have some very promising young players in their team that with the right coaching and development will blossom into quality players. 

Joe Mellor scored his second try in the closing stages. Mellor is so deceptive and difficult to tackle as he out foxed the FC defence for Salford’s tenth try. Hankinson came close with seconds remaining but couldn’t ground the ball.

It was a demolition job from the Devils who’s exciting journey continues at Wigan next Thursday. They continue to make the City of Salford proud.

Hull FC 4 Salford 58.

Paul Whiteside.

Big thanks to Steve McCormick for the photos.