 Salford and Quins took part in a war of attrition at the Willows |
Salford (2) 5
Goals: Wilshere 2
Drop: Robinson
Harlequins (0) 2
Goal: Sykes
Super League witnessed its first ever try-less match as Salford coach Shaun McRae claimed a vital win in his first game in charge of the struggling Reds. The Reds started well and John Wilshere was stopped from scoring in the corner by a superb tackle from Tyrone Smith.
A Wilshere goal on 20 minutes was the only first-half score before two points from Paul Sykes levelled the game.
Luke Robinson then added a drop while another Wilshere goal on 73 minutes sealed victory in an error-strewn game.
 | 606: DEBATE |
Although Salford still remain bottom of the table, the victory at a sodden Willows moves them to within a point of Hull KR and Warrington.
McRae joined the club on Monday to replace Karl Harrison and although he will welcome the two points, the former Hull coach will be aware that he has a lot of work to do.
There were many misplaced passes from his side resulting in precious few try-scoring opportunities.
Quins though, were not much better, and their best chance came in the second half when Julian Rinaldi came within inches of grounding the ball - the result of which led to Sykes' 54th-minute penalty.
Salford coach Shaun McRae:
"I've been involved with some good records and some poor ones, and I'm not sure where this one fits. "I thought we deserved the win and showed some great defensive quality. Yes, there was a lot of errors with the ball and I think the supporters understood that.
"It was very hard to even kick the ball when the conditions are like that but we've got the win and that's all that matters.
"There wasn't a lot of quality at times but we've got something to build on now. I'll admit I didn't even know a lot of the players before I joined the club, but I've learned a lot about them tonight."
Harlequins coach Brian McDermott:
"It was not a night for open rugby so they shut us down a little bit and I think both sides had to alter their game plan late in the afternoon. "They handled it better than us. It's the timing of the errors which frustrate me and it's the wrong time to give those penalties away.
"We played to the script of errors but to keep any team try-less proves how committed we were."
Salford: Wilshere, Hodgson, McGuinness, Moule, Littler, Dorn, Robinson, Korkidas, Alker, Highton, Coley, Edmondson, Finnigan.
Replacements: Brocklehurst, Gower, Turner, Jewitt.
Harlequins Melling, Wells, Sykes, T. Smith, Gafa, McLinden, Orr, Temata, Randall, Mills, Hopkins, Worrincy, Paul.
Replacements: Rinaldi, Mbu, Bannister, Grayshon.
Referee: R Silverwood (Dewsbury)
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