Salford stun Warrington to secure rare win

Betfred Super League

Warrington (6) 12

Josh Thewlis 2 tries: Dufty, Jake Thewlis

Salford (12) 25

Warrington Wolves defeated struggling Red Devils of Salford at Halliwell Jones Stadium to claim their third victory of the Super League season.

Warrington opened the scoring early on thanks to Matt Dufty’s early try, but Jack Darbyshire and Justin Sangare’s scores put the visitors ahead at break.

After half-time, Jake Thewlis restored parity, but Rowan Milnes’ drop-goal and Sangare and Tiaki Chan drew Salford.

When Dufty broke through the middle to drive over the line and convert Josh Thewlis, it appeared to be one-way traffic, it took just four minutes for him to lead Warrington.

Salford, however, did well and scored a well-deserved try on 27 minutes through Darbyshire, who scored the try after Harvey Wilson brilliantly worked in the build-up.

Despite Dufty’s willingness to put a frustrated Wire on, Salford’s defense was impressive throughout the first half and their desire was obvious.

After Neil Tchamambe batted back Milnes’ desperate kick, Sangare reacted most quickly to pave out Salford’s lead at the break before crossing under the posts for a quick conversion.

Salford responded with a second-half penalty kick from Leon Hayes, but Warrington struck once more early in the second half as Jake Thewlis headed over from Leon Hayes’ kick.

When Salford scored a moment later, Warrington was given control of the situation after Adam Holroyd was sent to the sin-bin for a high tackle on Nathan Connell.

Sam Burgess, the head coach of Warrington Wolves, told BBC Radio Merseyside:

“It’s a difficult night,” the statement read. A very difficult night. Not for the first time, either. Really disappointing, I think.

Since the Challenge Cup final, it’s been incredibly difficult. The players appear to be dealing with a difficult situation. Simply put, it’s not working right now for us. There is a lot of work to be done.

“We still have a lot to play for tonight, but the season is over.” Three boys were on debut, and Leon [Hayes] will be back in the team after 16 or 17 months. However, we’ve lost some of our inner self.

I’ve actually been more motivated this week than I have in a while. I have a contract coming up next year. I’ll carry out my duties and that will be done.

Paul Rowley, the manager of the Red Devils of Salford, stated to BBC Radio Manchester:

“I feel emotional. That’s my emotion. Before the game, I was emotional. And last week I was emotional. The fans are the center of attention.

What we excel at is fostering teamwork, they say. We purchased a group of strangers together, and I’ve always referred to our players as characters, and what you’ve seen is a group of lads – strangers – form a fierce rivalry.

Changes: Hartill, Powell, McKinney, Wood, and Philbin.

Salford includes Tchamambe, Darbyshire, Gorman, Connell, Mellor, Milnes, Lewis, Davis, Sangare, Ruan, Russell, Wilson, and Wilson.

Changes: Shaw, Chan, Warren, Croft, and Nikorima.