Salford RLFC defeated the Batley Bulldogs after a last-minute drop goal by debutant Leon Hayes in an action-packed game in Salford.
Tries from Keane Gilford, Brad Dwyer and Tom McKinney and Jack Bibby sealed victory for Salford who continued their impressive 19 game undefeated streak against the Yorkshire-based team.
Dave Hewitt’s Salford side fought until the very end and were helped by the new signings Kieran Dixon and Ewan Moore from Oldham, as well as Warrington loanees Leon Hayes, Jack Gardner, and Tom McKinney.
After a derby-day victory last weekend against Swinton Lions, Salford had a new lease of confidence which was seen during the early stages of the game.
In the 2nd minute, Salford’s Brad Dwyer charged down a Batley kick and was deliberately denied the chance to score but referee Aaryn Belafonte awarded Salford a penalty try to give them the lead.
Batley’s physical approach to the match paid off when they responded in the 9th minute as Ronan Dixon crashed over the try line from close range to level the score at 6-6.
This was followed by a second try in quick succession for the visitors when fullback Robbie Butterworth cut inside from the left edge before evading defenders to score a try and send the Bulldogs ahead.
Both teams put on great attacking displays during the first half, but it was Salford who levelled the game once again after Warrington Wolves loanees Leon Hayes and Zack Gardner combined on the left edge before Keane Gilford finished emphatically with a diving try in the corner in the 23rd minute.
Salford then went ahead after a try by Tom Mckinney, who joined the club this week on loan from Warrington alongside Hayes and Gardner, meaning Salford led at half-time 16-12.
The game continued to provide end-to-end drama, but it was Batley who scored the first points of the second half through Nyle Flynn who powered his way over the try line to give the Bulldogs an 18-16 lead.
However, Salford showed courage and were inspired by captain Brad Dwyer who faked a pass to the left from dummy half before scooting out past his marker and fought his way over the try-line for Salford to regain the lead.
Batley yet again responded with the attacking threat coming yet again from their right side as Ben White slipped past his man and stumbled over the try-line to score despite a great defensive effort.
With ten minutes to go, both teams were still fighting relentlessly but in the 70th minute a quick pass from Brad Dwyer found Jack Bibby which gave the prop enough momentum to reach the try-line where he fought and placed the ball down to give Salford a crucial 28-24 lead.
The Bulldogs were attacking with great intensity to try to snatch victory late on and levelled the game when in the 76th minute, Jack Hudson scored a diving finish in the right corner after the scrambling Salford defence was outnumbered on that side.
With the game at 28-28, Batley halfback Ben Reynolds had the chance to win the game with his kick, which was dragged narrowly wide, meaning the sides were level going into the final two minutes.
In the 79th minute, Salford had one last chance to win the game and did just that when the man of the moment Leon Hayes stepped back before kicking an inch-perfect drop goal from 40 metres to make history and claim back-to-back wins for the newly reformed Salford RLFC.
Aydin Gorgun
