Salford RLFC suffered a narrow 30-24 defeat to Sheffield Eagles in the Betfred Championship.
An impressive start from the home side saw Salford lead 18-16 at half-time after taking the game to the Eagles with an energetic attacking display.
The Reds continued to push the South Yorkshire side after the break, but Sheffield’s Championship experience proved decisive in the closing stages as the visitors claimed a third consecutive league victory.
First half:
First opening five minutes both sides were assessing their approach to the game, however two back-to-back high tackles from the visitors led to Dave Hewitt’s side gaining important yardage so early on.
This resulted in a blistering run right through the right edge of Sheffield, from captain Brad Dwyer, that meant the home side took the lead inside the first 10 minutes.
But the home side could not hold that lead, as the Yorkshire side responded three minutes later, when Billy Walkley went over for his 21st try of the season on the left wing.
A creative grubber kick from Dwyer on the quarter hour mark led to a Salford penalty 10 metres out from the visitors try line.
The Reds used this opportunity to pursue Kieran Dixon as an option down the left edge, who made brilliant ground.
This opened up Bradford Bulls loanee Cameron Bate to powerfully go over for Salford, at a crucial point in the first half.
15 metres out from Salford’s try line Jordan Abdull sent a high rising kick upwards, Dixon was battled to the ball by Walkley, who palmed the ball down for Abdull to pick up and eventually score for the away side.
With 10 minutes to go until half-time Salford played some electric quick rugby thanks to a superb line break from Owain Abel, who ate up 25 metres, with Dixon and Toby Hughes combing well on the right edge to send Callum Green over in the right corner, in front of the Salford faithful in the South Stand.
Another magnificent high kick from Abdull, sent a long ball over to the left wing, which saw Walkley involved again, as he caught and passed the ball to an open Kieran Gill on the left corner.
Another loanee in Warrington’s Jake Thewlis went over for the Reds just before half-time, after an incredible quick offload from Oli Garmston, who had two Eagles players around him.
Second half:
Sheffield received a penalty kick right in front of the stick, after a high tackle from Reece Stanton. The kick was converted by Kai Morgan to level the game with 32 minutes to go.
Two minutes later Hewitt’s 13 responded, thanks to a tightly kicked ball over the Eagles back line, which Joe Baldwin swallowed up to put Salford ahead.
Kieran Gill’s grubber kick was mistakenly flicked on by Jack Bibby, which resulted in Joseph Brown tapping the ball down and a converted kick made the game 24-24, with 20 minutes to go.
Sheffield look to end their set, but a misplaced pass was sent to Joe Hartley who fumbled the ball, after a possible breakaway for the home side.
With Salford breathing down the neck of Sheffield for a possible try, it almost seemed like the ball would carry itself to the try line, however a huge hit on the away sides line on Shaun Costello gave them the ball back.
The visitors eventually broke through Salford’s defence in the 72nd minute, with quick hands from Connor Bower who found the eventual runner of Kai Morgan.
The Reds carried on pushing but could not find a way through, when Joe Hartley looked set to go over Will Oakes had other ideas, and denied another possible Salford try.
Sheffield denies Salford from back-to-back wins in the Betfred Championship.
Daniel Burton
