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Salford City Reds 58 Dewsbury 6

Dave Lawrenson
14/ 8/2008

IF ONLY all trophy triumphs were this straight forward! The Reds added the league leaders’ shield to their Northern Rail Cup success without barely breaking sweat.

Salford were far from at their best with some poor handling and a general lack of intensity souring the occasion.

But they were still far too good for a Dewsbury side whose relegation to League Two has already been confirmed with them having won just two league games all season.

The Reds scored some classy tries as they opened up an unassailable lead over second-placed Halifax at the top of the table.

But you had to feel sorry for Dewsbury coach and ex-Salford player Warren Jowitt.

He had already been embarrassed by his former club in a 70-22 drubbing last month so the last thing he needed was to be deprived of key players through injury.

Andrew Bostock and Simon Cook were forced to sit the game out while Ryan Glynn and Dominic Maloney both limped off injured early in the first half.

With Dewsbury under-strength, Salford soon had the three points wrapped up.

They led 22-0 at the break with Stefan Ratchford producing a first half masterclass after surprisingly being selected ahead of Kiwi star Robbie Paul at stand off.

Ratchford set up tries for Paul White and Stuart Littler and touched down himself with an awesome solo effort from a scrum 50 metres out.

But John Wilshere stole Ratchford’s thunder after the break, laying tries on a plate for Mat Gardner, Richard Myler, Ian Sibbit and Phil Leuluai with glorious passes.

Wilshere also knocked over six out of his seven attempts at goal before handing over the goal kicking reins to Jordan Turner and Stephen Bannister while young forward Luke Adamson impressed with his outstanding workrate.

Adamson seemed to make more tackles than even Salford skipper Malc Alker, who was making his 300th appearance for the Reds.

Paul and Alker were spelled in the hooking role and Salford fans need to get used to that with head coach Shaun McRae having signed a new half back for next season in Jeremy Smith.

Paul proved that he has a lot to offer from dummy half on Friday night while overseas props Craig Stapleton and Phil Leuluai also emerged from the game with a lot of credit.

Team: Fitzpatrick; Gardner, Littler, Wilshere, White; Ratchford, Myler; Sidlow, Alker, Stapleton, Bannister, Adamson, Turner. Subs used: Paul, Leuluai, Sibbit, Highton. Tries: White (2), Ratchford, Littler, Adamson, Gardner (2), Myler, Sibbit, Leuluai. Goals: Wilshere (6), Turner, Bannister (2). Attendance: 3,046.