19 for Leeds

Report from Manchester Evening News

Salford Red Devils lost 28-18 but were certainly not disgraced by leaders Leeds in what Rhinos’ coach Brian McDermott termed crazy conditions.

A truly diabolical performance from referee Matt Thomason also did not help Salford’s cause and triggered much frustration for fans, players and club officials.

Thomason had the proverbial stinker and matched the miserable wet and windy weather.

Some very poor calls went against Salford just when they were already under the hammer.

One saw him rule out a score for Scott Taylor in the first half.

Minutes later, the same kind of move produced the same kind of score for Leeds who then led 16-12 the break.

Salford definitely came out of this one with their heads held high.

Theo Fages came in for the suspended Chase and gave his all while Niall Evalds again made his mark with another impressive two try performance.

Jamie Peacock scored two first half tries for the Rhinos.

Salford opened their account when Fages made the opening for Lami Tasi.

Evalds then struck for his first try and continues to impress head coach Iestyn Harris with his awareness at full back.

Harris said: ‘‘Evalds is certainly growing his reputation.

''He is going to be excellent because he has the ability to be in the right place at the right time.

‘‘You cannot coach that.

‘‘Our effort was good. The way we defended for a large part of the game was good.

‘‘We just needed to test Leeds more with the ball but we had 13 unavailables.

‘‘We have to get back out on the training field and work on our fluidity.

‘‘Leeds were able to manage the game well and had experience in key positions. We stayed with them for 80 minutes and competed well.

‘‘Our last three games have been again really good sides and we could have scored a few more points had we been better with the ball.

‘‘We have still a long way to go before we are performing each week but the effort was there.

‘‘We saw some good performances.

‘‘Young Liam Hood played the full 80 minutes.

‘‘Teenager Ryan Lannon also enjoyed his debut and said it had been the fastest minutes of his life.’’

Leeds looked set to pull clear when Rob Burrow scored their third try after beating Greg Johnson but this Salford team is made of strong stuff.

They again responded to great backing from the fans with another fine try from that man Evalds.

He was first to react from a high kick and Salford only trailed by four.

Harris’ patched up side were still battling but Zak Hardaker settled the contest when he was given time and room to score.

Reds officials were clearly frustrated at the end.

Poor refereeing certainly gave Leeds a helping hand at key stages of the contest and this eventually took its toll on the Reds.

Fages went well and Evalds just gets better and better.

Salford now prepare for their Challenge Cup clash with Leigh on Saturday and could have a couple of injured players back.