With a significant number of injuries picked up in last Sunday’s derby match with Swinton, Dave Hewitt’s Salford squad saw some new faces this week. 

Kieran Dixon started at fullback having joined on loan from Oldham with Warrington’s Leon Hayes at scrum half. Zach Gardner also on loan from Warrington played centre in place of the injured Joe Hartley. 

Batley started with Ben Reynolds and Josh Woods in the halves. The experienced Dane Manning was in the back row and Derrell Olpherts was on the wing.

The weather was a pretty mixed bag leading up to kick off with sunshine and showers. The usual blustery wind that we’ve become accustomed to at Salford home games was notably stronger than usual.

Batley were searching for their first win in this fixture since October 1960 when they won 13-15 at The Willows. It’s fair to say over the last sixty years League meetings between the two sides have been fairly rare. For the record Salford had won the last twelve home meetings. Batley’s triumph almost sixty six years ago is their solitary victory away at Salford.

Despite the unsettled weather the pitch looked like a well kept bowling green as the two sides walked out for kick. Salford appeared once again from under the South stand as they did in the home victory over Hunslet.

Salford struck early after Brad Dwyer charged a kick down and raced after the loose ball. The Batley defender pulled Dwyer back to deny a try scoring opportunity. The referee awarded a penalty try with the visitors fortunate not to receive a sin bin for a professional foul. Dixon added the conversion, 6-0. It was Dixon of Batley who went over to level the match. Prop Ronan Dixon powered over from close range with Reynolds converting, 6-6.

Salford seemed to clock off in defence to allow Bulldogs fullback Robbie Butterworth an easy try. A possible obstruction in the build up play is no excuse not to play to the referee’s whistle. 

A lovely pass from Zach Gardner set up young winger Keane Gilford to score his first Salford try. A flying finish had the crowd on their feet. Dixon was well short with his conversion attempts, 10-12.

Leon Hayes has had a torrid time with injuries in his short career. The 22 year old fractured his ankle almost two years ago at Salford’s ground playing for Warrington. His crafty kick forced a knock on and the hosts took full advantage with on loan star Tom McKinney charging over for a well deserved try. 

McKinney broke clear on the very next set and a try seemed nailed on. Unfortunately he chose to pass left when the better option was right. The chance went begging but Salford were showing they can now score points and be an attacking threat to their opponents. Hayes continued to kick well forcing a drop out just before the break. Salford went in 16-12 at half time. 

Batley hit back eight minutes into the second half. Poor contact in defence allowed back rower Nyle Flynn to coast over and with Reynolds converting as the lead changed hands again, 16-18.

Dwyer returned for his second spell and made an immediate impact off the bench slicing through the Batley defence for a trademark try. Dixon converted and this seesaw match went back in Salford’s favour 22-18. 

At times Salford were probably a bit eager in defence and not as organised as they should have been. Players shot out of the line and this left gaps and holes which Batley exploited time and again. When defending your goal line it’s vital you keep your shape. Benjamin White went through a huge gap to score and Reynolds fourth consecutive conversion nudged the visitors back in front 22-24 with 17 minutes remaining.

The way this game was going though there was always going to be more points. The hard working Jack Bibby has been a wonderful signing and he charged over for his second try of the season ten minutes from time, Dixon converted, 28-24.

With the clock counting down Batley chanced their arm with nothing to lose. Some slick ball work on the right edge created a very slight opening but it’s all Jack Hudson needed and he squeezed in at the corner to level the match a 28-28. A conversion from Reynolds who was already 4/4 would surely be enough. The crowd thumped the advertisement hoardings, booed and whistled as loud as they could and it did enough as the kick fell wide and short. 

With less than two minutes remaining it looked like a draw would be on the cards and for the amount of time the lead changed hands it probably would have been a fair result. But sport sometimes has a knack of coming up with storylines. After suffering such a career threatening injury on this ground Leon Haynes put that ghost to rest. He took a pass almost on the half way line and thumped a kick towards the posts. It sailed along with just enough trajectory before falling just over the posts to put Salford in front with just a minute remaining.

Batley had to force the pass and with ten seconds remaining they looked to have found some space. The referee however had blown for a knock on and this frantic match ended with Salford claiming a 29-28 victory.

Interim coach Dave Hewitt has won two of his three matches in charge and was pretty close in the game we lost against Halifax. The players have a fantastic bond with him that’s there for all to see. If Salford are to bring in a new coach Hewitt has proved he’s more than good enough to stay on working at the club. He’s also made a fantastic case to get the job permanently. He’s a very young coach with a terrific Rugby League IQ. Coaches like that are hard to come by in our sport.

Salford are back in action next Saturday when they travel to Doncaster for a clash in the 1895 Cup.

Salford 29 Batley 28.

Paul Whiteside.

Big thanks to Steve McCormick for the photos.