Salford today entertained bottom of the table Widnes, coached by Salford lad, Dennis Betts. We walloped them early in the season but I was expecting a far tougher game today as Widnes seem to be hitting a bit of form, and Salford had a few out, after a very physical Easter programme...
Salford were missing the likes of Junior Sa'u, George Griffin, Lee Mossop and Todd Carney, with Justin Carney stood down by the club after his alleged remark. This would crucify most teams but Watson has built a strong squad and Salford will not roll over for anyone.
Widnes came to the AJ Bell full of confidence and were hoping for an upset – but Salford had other ideas...
Ben Murdoch-Masila was first to score for Salford with one of his trademark runs, after brilliant work by Robert Lui and Michael Dobson. BMM is now the leading try scorer and is having a brilliant season.
Soon after this, Greg Johnson went over in the corner, and a brilliant goal-line kick by Dobson converted the try. Salford went in at half time 12-0 up. At the start of the second half Widnes opened their scoring and a threatened Salford for a while. But this Salford team is special...
...BMM went in again, as did Niall Evalds and Jake Bibby as Salford recorded a brilliant 30-10 win to move up to third in the table. BMM was man of the match but you could have given it to any of the team.
Now on to Wigan away next Friday. And on this form, who would back against Salford?
Report by Simon Williams
Photos by Gareth Lyons – see more of Gareth's photos of the match – click here