Widnes Vikings defeated Salford RLFC 32-6 in a difficult afternoon at home for the Reds.
Tries from Michael Butt, Joe Edge, Ryan Brown and Danny Langtree were enough to earn Widnes two points on the road in Round 13 of the Championship.
Dave Hewitt’s Salford squad featured new Castleford Tigers loanees Jenson Windley and Daniel Sarbah, with loanees Isaac Reid and James Duffy joining from Warrington, as well as Harry Smith joining the club from Wigan.
Salford came into the game still without six first-team players who had been ruled out due to ongoing and new injury issues prior to the game, but were strengthened by the return of Brad Dwyer who gained some Super League minutes for Castleford Tigers last week.
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Widnes scored the opening try of the game eight minutes in when Michael Butt crossed untouched on the left wing to give the visitors an early lead in the game.
The winger scored again in the 27th minute, as Widnes exploited a gap in Salford’s right edge defence after a quick passing move involving Leon Hayes found Michael Butt who produced a diving finish into the corner for his second try of the match.
Although Salford had a few chances to score towards the end of the first half, Widnes’ physical dominance showed again when they scored their third try when Matty Fozzard’s quick scoot and pass carried enough momentum for Danny Langtree to power over the try-line.
Salford suffered an injury blow to Castleford loanee Jenson Windley, who had joined the club this week on loan, following a head collision just before half time.
The injury forced the game to be halted for a few minutes before play resumed with Widnes leading 14-0 at the break.
Salford started the second half strongly with Toby Hughes’ high kick being misjudged by Widnes winger Ryan Ince who knocked on, leaving Salford with the chance to score 15 metres out.
Salford increased the pressure as Joe Baldwin was held up over the try-line, and a Widnes handling error gave Salford a fresh set of possession, but they couldn’t convert the pressure into points.
In the 56th minute, Salford were on the attack with Toby Hughes, but his pass was intercepted by an oncoming Joe Edge who stole the ball and raced away to score against the run of play to give Widnes a 20-0 lead.
Allan Coleman’s Widnes showed their Championship experience throughout the last parts of the match as Ryan Brown and Joe Edge added late tries to seal the victory for the Vikings.
Salford scored a good consolation try in the 76th minute, when Brad Dwyer ran the ball on the last tackle before producing a grubber kick into space behind the Widnes defence which the oncoming Joe Baldwin capitalised on by touching down making the final score 32-6.
Despite a tough afternoon for the Reds, there will be some positives for head coach Dave Hewitt to take from this encounter ahead of Salford’s trip to the Shay Stadium to face the Halifax Panthers in two weeks.
Aydin Gorgun
