Looking at the full time result Salford were well beaten in the capital. The 66-6 score line though doesn’t quite tell the full story though. The Broncos were far superior in every department. Faster, bigger, stronger and being a full time outfit they look to be gearing up for a shot at the top flight in 2027. Salford held their own for much of the first half giving the League leaders a bloody nose in the early stages when prop forward Cole Appleby charged over for a well taken try. Appleby is a local lad from Weaste so it was nice to see him in the starting line up.

Salford coach Mike Grady gave debuts to three new players, Danny Lynch and Jack Holmes have both signed from Rochdale Hornets. Lynch started on the bench and came on as a replacement prop working hard when needed. Holmes played on the wing. Jack Bibby had a big game in the pack alongside Sam Bowring who has returned to Salford on a permanent basis after his loan spell with the Hurricanes. Bowring led the pack in an all action first half. His tough tackling and hard running proved simple but very effective. A good voice on the pitch to helped organise this young side. Matty Ross moved back in to the halves with Toby Hughes and loan signing Josh Cartwright started at fullback.

London hit back with two well worked tries one on each flank as they caught Salford for pace out wide. Neil Tchamambe scored the hosts third try 16-6 after 23 minutes. 

Joe Hartley again looked as solid as ever. He played on the wing rather than his usual centre position but took a superb interception to race away on a thrilling break. Oliver Garmston broke clear on the opposite wing and Salford were unlucky not to post another try in a very competitive first half performance. The Broncos scored two tries in the closing stages of the first half which ultimately ended the contest.

A try two minutes after half time put London well in control but Salford kept working hard and when they had the ball they tried to be ambitious with it.

London and their full time fitness and conditioning told in the final quarter of the match. The Broncos kept their foot on the pedal to score seven second half tries. 

After disappointing performances at Doncaster and Workington this game saw plenty of grounds for optimism for Salford and their supporters. With players signing permanent deals and the squad starting to look stronger that little bit more every week. London thoroughly deserved their victory but with plenty of pockets of positivity Salford go into this Friday’s home fixture with Halifax looking for more improvement.

London 66 Salford 6.

Paul Whiteside.

Big thanks to Steve McCormick for the photos.