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Salford City Reds 46 Leigh 12

Dave Lawrenson
31/ 7/2008

ANYONE thinking that Salford will take their foot off the gas having already gained promotion to Super League should get themselves a copy of the Reds’ second half performance on Friday night.

For in that second 40 minutes the Reds were sensational against fellow League One high-flyers Leigh.

Salford’s players have had to cope with the pressure of great expectation all season long but the shackles came off on Friday night.

Gaining a return to the top flight through the new licensing system three days earlier enabled them to play with much more freedom than normal. And you had to feel sorry for Leigh, who were blown away by Salford’s extra pace, power and invention having been one of five clubs to miss out on a Super League licence.

Salford may have struggled in the first half as hard working Leigh forced a number of errors from the home side. But they defended well throughout and their attacking play oozed quality after the interval with Richard Myler, Stefan Ratchford, John Wilshere, Mat Gardner, Craig Stapleton and Phil Leuluai all showing themselves to be worthy of Super League shirts.

Myler and Ratchford made light of Kiwi ace Robbie Paul’s absence with a shoulder injury, goal kicker Wilshere shone in general play and returned to form with the boot by knocking over seven out of eight attempts at goal, Gardner capped off an assured display on the wing with a two-try brace while overseas aces Stapleton and Leuluai confirmed their reputation for being the best front row partnership in the league.

But Salford’s star performer was undoubtedly skipper Malc Alker. As always, he got through a mountain of work down the middle of the park. And how he managed to score a 42nd minute try when tied up by two Leigh defenders this reporter will never know.

No wonder the Reds turned down the chance to sign Alker’s fellow hooker Mick Higham from Wigan for next season!

Alker was instrumental in the move of the game on 53 minutes. He sent Karl Fitzpatrick through a gap with a well timed pass and the speedy full back moved the ball on to the supporting Myler, who finished off the lightning quick move with aplomb.

Friday’s result moved Salford four points clear of second-placed Halifax, who lost to Whitehaven at the weekend, at the top of the National League One table.

And judging by the way they tore Leigh to shreds in the second half, who would back against Salford capping off a glorious season by adding the league title to the Northern Rail Cup and Super League licensing successes?

Team: Fitzpatrick; Gardner, Littler, Wilshere, White; Ratchford, Myler; Nash, Alker, Stapleton, Bannister, Adamson, Turner. Subs used: Highton, Sidlow, Sibbit, Leuluai. Tries: White, Gardner, Alker, Myler, Wilshere, Sidlow, Ratchford, Turner. Goals: Wilshere (7). Attendance: 4,554.