It was another cold and wet afternoon for Salford’s fifth outing of the season. The weather has been pretty awful at every match so far in 2026 but this didn’t dampen the spirits of the supporters who were in fine voice prior to kick off. To try and recreate the old Willows atmosphere the players were going to run out from the popular South Stand and the old Viking music from the mid 90s floated around the pa system just before they emerged. 

As the lads ran out you could feel a real sense of optimism and as I’ve said previously this season the song by Embrace real captures what the club is trying to build.

Salford coach Mike Grady had new loan faces in the team Noah Hodgkinson, Nathan Lowe, Taylor Kerr and George O’Loughlin all started. Lukas Mason who is the son of former Saints and Huddersfield forward Keith Mason’s son was on the bench. 

Matty Ross and Toby Hughes were back together in the halves.

Both defences looked solid early on in what was a very competitive first fifteen minutes. Hunslet loose forward Eddie Battye powered over in the seventeenth minute to opening the scoring. A successful conversion made it 0-6.

Salford began to build pressure with Hughes kicking well. A near attacking kick allows the hosts to trap Hunslet in goal to force a drop out.

Salford went left to right with no real purpose but when Brad Dwyer saw the opportunity to go direct he did just that to scoot over for Salford’s first home try of the season.  Nathan Lowe converted, 6-6.

Joe Hartley broke superbly down the left edge to step his man but he was denied a certain try by a very clumsy high tackle. It was a bit like the old clothes line in American Wrestling! This didn’t deter a Salford side that were growing in confidence and another super kick in the wet and greasy conditions was pounced on by fullback Hodgkinson. Lowe converted again, 12-6.

Hunslet were pulled back for a forward pass just before the break. This decision was a real touch and go one. A try seemed certain after some lovely ball play from the visitors.

Hunslet looked rejuvenated after the break and tries from Mo Agoro and Lee Gaskell nudged them in front after some Salford indiscipline invited them back into the match. Hunslet missed both the conversions but led 12-14.

Playing in the number thirteen shirt Taylor Kerr was everywhere for Salford. Organising on attack and tenacious in defence, Mike Grady will be hoping to keep this lad on loan for as long as possible. 

Another short kick put Salford back in front this time Dwyer put it on a plate for Hodgkinson who picked up superbly to score his second try. Lowe made it three from three, 18-14.

Salford knew that one more try could be the match winner and they went for it. Finlay Yates came so close but was held up agonisingly over the try line. 

Hunslet are an experienced team at this level and they dragged this young Salford side into a real dog fight. Salford conceded penalties in the wrong part of the field and after a real coming together, Brad Dwyer was sin binned. A try immediately followed from Gaskell who levelled them in front score at 18-18. The conversion hit the post and bounced back out.

With seven minutes remaining Gaskell waited in the pocket to drop a goal but Olly Garmston read the play and intercepted. The ball looked to have hit the floor or maybe his boot first. He seemed to hesitate before the referee waved play on. Garmston raced away with the Hunslet defence going on him every second. With ten metres to go he saluted the crowd in the South stand before diving over under the sticks. Complete euphoria erupted from the stands. After a year of torture and misery in 2025 it was all wiped away in that moment. Salford’s nineteen year old back rower has become a new hero.

Zak Lloyd was sin binned in the closing stages for the visitors before Toby Hughes dropped a goal to make the game safe, 25-18.

As the hooter sounded Salford kept playing the exciting brand of Rugby that Mike Grady is promoting. Lowe who had kicked four conversions capped off a super performance with an acrobatic finish in the corner, he failed with his final conversion.

A very competitive and enjoyable match finished 29-18.

I caught a video of Olly Garmston celebrating on the clubs social media in front of the South stand that really made me smile. Come on the Sollies he said. That settles it we are all sollies from now on. 

One thing you can’t buy or coach is passion and commitment and this group of young players have got that in bucket loads.

Salford now have a fortnight before their next match at Doncaster and it’s a well earned break and a chance to get some injured players back. 

Salford 29 Hunslet 18.

Paul Whiteside.

Big thanks to Steve McCormick for the photos.