The road to Wembley started today for the Salford Red Devils, and although there was a gulf in divisions, League One Hunslet Hawks put up a spirited performance at the South Leeds Stadium. However, one thing struck me, which I have never come across in all my time watching rugby league...
Salford were winning 44-12 with seven minutes to go, when Hunslet were awarded a penalty. Instead of tapping the ball and attempting to score a try, their player strangely kicked for goal. So instead of going for six points he was happy with two. Very odd. Had the Hunslet players been betting on the handicapped odds or what? Or, being from Yorskshire, were they checking the wrong scoreboard? The Hunslet supporters were all looking at us in disbelief.
Either way, Super League Salford enjoyed a comfortable passage into the last 16 of the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup. Centre Josh Griffin scored a hat-trick and Jake Bibby and Robert Lui both touched down twice in Salford's 50-14 victory over the part-timers. The Red Devils went down to a surprise defeat by Leigh in the fifth round last year but were never in danger of suffering the same fate.
Salford never looked back after scoring three tries in the first ten minutes, although Hunslet battled manfully to the end and scored tries through Jack Lee, James Duckworth and George Flanagan.
After the game I spoke with three Salford fans and asked their views. Tom Pearson, from Little Hulton, said the gulf in class was there for all to see, and we are now on the march to Wembley. Sharon Gregg said this is our year, and Dennis Robins Riley said it was a fine away day, Salford just did enough and never got out of second gear.
I personally enjoyed the day out to Hunslet. Salford, yet again, took a great following and the banter between each set of fans was second to none. It was a good friendly atmosphere and yet again Salford fans should take a pat on the back for their passionate support and friendly behaviour.
On this showing, the wait for the holy grail could be over at long last...
By Simon Williams
Photos by Steve McPix2016
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