So far it’s been a near perfect season for London Broncos. Seventeen wins from seventeen matches with over a thousand points scored and a points difference of almost a thousand it just highlights how dominate Jason Demetriou’s side have become. 

Salford coach Dave Hewitt brought Jack Holmes back into the side after a long injury layoff and he partnered Joe Hartley in the three quarter line. Toby Hughes and Owain Abel continued in the halves and after picking up a shoulder injury in the opening match of the season Charlie Glover was back on the bench. 

The Broncos started James Meadows at fullback with Gairo Voro and Dean Hawkins in the halves. Former Australian test forward Reagan Campbell-Gillard started at prop.

It didn’t take long for the visitors to strike. Back rower Luke Smith scored after four minutes and it was clear to see the sheer strength that London possessed as their pack punched holes in the Salford defence at an alarming rate. Centre Robert Mathias went over before Smith grabbed his second to put the Broncos in complete control of the game. 

Hooker Finlay Glare picked up London’s fourth try but it looked suspiciously like a knock on in the build up. 

Charlie Glover came off the bench just after the half hour mark and he immediately got stuck in with some lung busting carries through the middle. Abel forced a drop out as Salford finally enjoyed a spell of possession in what was there only really highlight of the first half. London were so physical and dominant in defence the error was forced and in the blink of an eye Mathias went over for his second try right on the half time hooter. 0-28.

Salford had dropped far too much ball in the first half, unforced errors were gift wrapping possession for the Broncos and putting them firmly on the front foot. 

A huge error from the kick off presented London with another easy try as Salford became their own worst enemy. The referee crucified the hosts with penalties and six agains which made it even tougher to compete with the relentless onslaught from the Broncos. Four quick fire tries were added to take the visitors to 0-56 including Smith and Mathias who completed their respective hat tricks. 

This season London have scored an avalanche of points in the final quarter of so many games including ones against some of the better sides in the Championship. Salford supporters now feared a possible record home defeat could be on the cards but  Hewitt’s young side bit Dow on their gum shields and dug in. The hard working Hughes ran his blood to water trying everything possible to invent a way to unlock the  London defence. He broke clear but was caught by a last ditch cover tackle. From the play the ball Brad Dwyer fanned a perfect pass out to the right for Callum Green to crash over in traffic. Kieran Dixon failed to convert, 4-56.

Salford lost on loan forward Cameron Bate eight minutes from time. Bate had put in another grafting shift but had to be chaired off with what looked like a knee injury. 

Neil Tchamambe broke clear but a wonderful cover tackle from Dixon forced the London winger into touch but Mathias wasn’t to be denied on the last play of the match when he powered over for his fourth try of the match.

It wasn’t an easy match for the Salford supporters to watch but they were delighted with the club announcement just prior to kickoff of Marc Sneyd returning for the 2027 season. Sneyd is a real talisman and his ability to manage a game will be vital as Salford continue to rebuild. The experience he has will also be imperative for young players like Toby Hughes, Lewis Pilling and Riley Johnson to learn from.

Salford have just four games left now and are back in action on Friday night when they travel to Widnes.

Salford 4 Widnes 62.

Paul Whiteside.

Big thanks to Gareth Lyons for the photos.