Salford had four players making their debut’s for the visit of Hull FC.
Dan Russell started in the second row with Tom Whitehead on the bench. Both have joined on loan from Warrington. Cain Robb started at hooker after his loan move from Castleford with another hooker on the bench in Kobe Rugless who’s joined short term from Championship side Hunslet.
The Airlie Birds have been sensational on the road this season and we’re looking to bring that form into this match against a struggling Salford side. John Cartwright’s side had former Salford players Cade Cust, Amir Bourouh and Ed Chamberlain in the starting thirteen. Aidan Sezer started at scrum half and try scoring forward Herman Ese’ese started at number eight.
After being starved of possession and territory in the opening half last week Salford started this match very much on the front foot. The lively Nathan Connell broke through and steady play forced a Hull mistake. The visitors were very well organised in defence and Salford’s lack of cutting edge saw them fail to post early points.
It was a very familiar sequence that brought Hull’s first try. Jack Ormondroyd caught Sezer late with a penalty following to set up the field possession. Cust ran at some weak defending and scored a fairly simple try.
Dan Russell had a real physical presence and his ambitious offload provided Salford with a slice of good fortune. The Red Devils piled the pressure on with Esan Marsters and Ryan Brierley desperately trying to work an opening to unlock the Hull defence.
Hull were denied a try by the video referee in what looked a clear knock on. The worrying thing was that the on field decision was given as a try by referee Tom Grant.
A lovely piece of play set Connell on the break. Jonny Vaughan worked an opening and it was Chris Hankinson who got the try. Hankinson nailed the conversion to level the score at 6-6 after twenty one minutes. In recent weeks most of Salford’s game’s have been done and dusted by this point but in this match they were definitely competing.
A big turning point came when Jordan Rapana misjudged a high kick and looked to knock on deep in his own half. The ball was adjudged to have gone backwards. A penalty soon followed before Lewis Martin forced his way through some weak defending to restore Hull’s lead, 6-10.
Joe Shorrocks was everywhere for Salford. He looked to organise the majority of the attacking play and in defence he went to another level. Chasing down kicks and forcing the pressure on the visitors at every opportunity is why Shorrocks is such a favourite with the Salford supporters.
Salford’s goal line defence was very poor at times. The first contact wasn’t strong enough and Hull centre Davy Litten increased the lead with a try.
Zak Hardacker kicked one conversion from three in the first half and as the teams went off at the break Salford were still in the match trailing 6-14.
The opening stages of the second half were always going to be pivotal and whatever John Cartwright said to his team at the break obviously pushed their buttons. Two quick tries from Sam Eseh and Zak Hardacker took the match out of Salford’s reach.
Lively hooker Cain Robb went off for a head assessment and due to failing it he didn’t return. Rugless moved to the hooking role and looked very useful in attack and defence. Props Chris Hill and Jack Ormondroyd both worked overtime playing big minutes once again. Toby Warren who played centre again is beginning to grow in confidence and despite being wrapped up in some big tackles he never took a back step.
Veteran winger Tom Briscoe scored Hull’s sixth try before Harvey Barron wrapped up the scoring three minutes from time.
Salford’s heart and desire was there for all to see once more. The supporters really appreciated the level of commitment from the players. It promises to be another nerve wracking week with the goings on off field and let’s hope we finally get some positive news this Thursday.
Speaking to coach Paul Rowley after the match he seemed frustrated at some of the decisions at crucial times in the match but remained in optimistic mood.
On the injury front Joe Mellor is hoping to be back for our match against Castleford on the 13th July. Loghan Lewis who’s yet to feature in 2025 is set to return the following week against Leeds at Headingley.
Salford are back in action next Sunday when they visit St.Helens.
Salford 6 Hull FC 38.
Paul Whiteside.
Big thanks to Steve McCormick for the photos.