Star date: 24th April 2016

SAINT GEORGE'S DAY REDS FAIL TO SLAUGHTER DRAGONS

Salford Red Devils took around 600 supporters to Perpignan hoping for a Saint George's Day slaughter of Catalan Dragons. But it wasn't to be as Catalans won 42-32. Here Saint George himself, aka Simon Williams, reports on the trip...

Match report click here...

Salford Reds this weekend went across the sea to play Catalan Dragons, which is no ordinary away game. Catalans have been on top form this season, so this was going to be a big test for the Salford Reds.

Niall Evalds opened the scoring, before Pat Richards quickly hit back for Catalans. Jodie Broughton was the next to cross, before Justin Carney got on the scoresheet for Salford. Then Junior Sa'u touched down in the corner to give the Reds a 10-14 lead. But Broughton got his second and the home team went into half-time 16-14 in front.

The tit for tat scoring continued into the second half. Sa'u got his second try but then Richie Myler touched down to put the Dragons back in front again. Catalans looked to have the game sewn up with two more tries, Myler grabbing his double off a Dave Taylor offload. But Salford wouldn't lie down and Sa'u notched his hat-trick and then Evalds also crossed, scoring his second of the afternoon.

At 34-32 the Red Devils kept coming, and a dramatic away win was in sight, but then Richards got his double in the 74th minute to take the score to 40-32. A Richards penalty with just two minutes left wrapped the match up at 42-32.

Salford were impressive but will rue their indiscipline and poor goal-kicking, which proved costly. Catalans will be happy with the result but concerned about a knee injury to Krisnan Inu. They have carved out their seventh consecutive Super League victory with a tough battle. The Dragons now go to equal top of the competition with Warrington and Wigan. 

I personally loved this trip although it was like staying in Strangeways for three days as only the TVs worked. I suppose Strangeways would be a five star hotel compared to the Casion Royal, where we stayed.

I asked Salford supporter Darren Sherwood for his views. He said it was brilliant game and if the kicking would have been better Salford would have come away with a famous win. Reece Archer told me that he cannot wait till next season and the trip. I personally would like to thank all the lads in the Dog and Partridge, Eccles, for a brilliant trip...

* Spot St George, aka Simon Williams on the left of the flag...