I must sound like a broken record in recent times but once again it’s being a testing week for Salford and their supporters.
After three crushing defeats the Red Devils arrived in West Yorkshire to face a Castleford side that had also lost all their opening matches.
The travelling supporter were desperate for some sort of reassurance and hope going into the match. However things still seem very much up in the air if you read the reports in the media.
Paul Rowley named seventeen players with Kai Morgan starting at hooker as Chris Atkin partnered Marc Sneyd in the halves.
Chris Hankinson started on the wing with Chris Hill named at thirteen for the second week running.
It was a very nervous opening from the visitors who look jaded at times particularly going forward with the ball.
For the third consecutive match Salford were put firmly on the back foot with a sin binning. Kallum Watkins was shown the yellow card. Another penalty followed by a six again saw the inevitable try scored by Tigers Liam Horne.
The Red Devils dug deep and found a second wind which helped them get their foot in the door. Watkins with a lovely offload sent Ryan Brierley in for a long awaited try. Sneyd converted to level the score at 6-6.
Sneyd continued to work hard and his second forty-twenty of the half piled pressure on the hosts who defended frantically until the half time hooter sounded.
The Tigers had another try denied by the video referee before Kallum Watkins came very close to giving Salford the lead. Sneyd’s high kick caused havoc but as Watkins landed he couldn’t quite gather his bearings and the ball was pushed dead. The drop out gave Salford another chance but then came a huge turning point. The kick was a clever one that found a big gap on the left touchline to creep out in to touch. Cas were off the hook and came marching down the field. A break away try seemed inevitable and it was Mustapha who finished it off, 12-6.
The Tigers were cautious but continued to run hard and straight at the Salford defence. Kendall awarded a penalty with in range leaving Tex Hoy with an easy option to take the two points to open up a two score lead.
At times Salford were dogged and determined even though fatigue seemed to hamper them. Morgan had played the full game at hooker. His infectious enthusiasm poured energy into the Devils and his superb break setup Watkins for a fine try that reduced the deficit back to two points.
With the game entering the final quarter neither side forced the pass, instead they kept it compact and steady. With fifteen minutes remained Sneyd missed a penalty goal before Cas had their third video referee decision rejected. On field referee Kendall gave no try as the on field decision on all three occasions.
Salford were knocking on the door after two successful captains challenge’s put Cas on the rack. Chris Hankinson was outstanding in both attack and defence. A tireless worker and the ultimate professional. With eight minutes remaining the cheers of take the two were bellowed out from the railway end when the visitors received a penalty within range. Sneyd made no mistake to level the score again at 14-14.
Both sides attempted drop goals and when the Tigers effort was bravely charged down the extra set of six told. Rimbu went over from dummy half to finally break Salford.
To some things up the Devils were penalised for offside from the kick off. The Tigers once again opted for the two points. Hoy’s kick shaded the post but the luckless visitors failed to make ten meters from the drop out allowing Castleford the killer penalty under the sticks. This time Hoy nailed it to give the Tigers their first victory of the season.
It was a match were neither side deserved to lose and a draw would have been a fair result. Castleford just about had the edge.
Salford now have something to build on. Let’s hope the foundations are not moved again and Paul Rowley, the players and supporters have some hope to get back to normality.
Salford have a welcome break from the Super League next Friday when they host Bradford Bulls in the Challenge Cup. A lot can happen in a week in this sport. Let’s hope it’s positive!
As Bryan Ferry says, C’mon C’mon Let’s Stick Together!
Castleford 22 Salford 14.
Paul Whiteside.
Big thanks to Steve McCormick for the photos.