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Salford City Reds 62 Whitehaven 18

Dave Lawrenson
25/ 9/2008

SALFORD produced a dream response to their Celtic horror show as they outclassed Whitehaven to progress to the League One Grand Final at the second time of asking.

Whitehaven did not know what had hit them as a pumped up Salford side produced one of their best performances of the season.

Nine Reds touched down in the 11-try romp.

And the clinical display will undoubtedly have Celtic worried going into the big day in Warrington on Sunday, September 28.

But it is fair to say that Thursday night’s Grand Final eliminator wasn’t a fair fight.

Whitehaven had just four days to prepare for the game compared to Salford’s seven.

And Whitehaven’s exhausting narrow play-off wins at Leigh and Halifax had clearly taken a lot out of their part-time players.

Whitehaven, who beat Salford at home earlier in the season, were further hampered by experienced goal kicking half back Tane Manihera going off with a shoulder injury early doors.

And Salford certainly took advantage of having the cards stacked in their favour.

In complete contrast to the Celtic play-off game, Salford got off to a blistering start and held an unassailable 42-6 lead going into the half-time break.

They also defended a hell of a lot better than they did against Celtic, missing just one tackle all game.

Salford played with bags of power, speed, enthusiasm and skill and many of the Reds’ 11 tries, nine of which were converted by John Wilshere, simply oozed class.

All 17 Reds rose to the importance of the occasion. But, not for the first time this season, young scrum half Richard Myler stood out among the crowd. He evaded a host of tackles in a stunning try from close range and had a hand in several other Salford touch downs.

Outstanding young forwards Jordan Turner and Stephen Bannister both helped themselves to a brace of tries. And, fittingly, Testimonial man Paul Highton opened the scoring by bursting through two attempted tackles.

Highton, who has given tremendous service to Salford over the years, was playing his last game for the club at the Willows after being told that his services are no longer required.

He signed off on a happy note on Thursday night although, shockingly, just 1,871 spectators turned out for the vital match. And, in this form, who would bet against the Grand Final being another day of glory for Highton and his teammates?

Team: Fitzpatrick; Gardner, Littler, Wilshere, White; Paul, Myler; Highton, Alker, Stapleton, Sibbit, Adamson, Turner. Subs used: Ratchford, Bannister, Leuluai, Jewitt. Tries: Highton, Turner (2), Adamson, White, Myler, Wilshere, Gardner, Bannister (2), Sibbit. Goals: Wilshere (9). Attendance: 1,871.