Salford (10) 34
Tries: Boyle, Broughton, Ratchford, Smith, Gleeson, Sneyd
Goals: Holdsworth 4, Ratchford
Hull KR (6) 18
Tries: Hall 2, Murrell Goals: Hall 3

Salford City Reds ran in six tries as they shocked Hull KR with a 34-18 victory at The Willows.

After taking a 10-0 lead with tries from Ryan Boyle and Jodie Broughton, the Reds were pegged back by an 18-point burst either side of half-time.

But visiting centre Craig Hall's haul of 14 points proved in vain.

Salford hit back with two tries in a minute from Stefan Ratchford and Matty Smith, Sean Gleeson grabbed another and Marc Sneyd sealed victory.

After his victorious 54-minute debut against Crusaders, Willie Mason stayed on the pitch for the full game - but could not turn it round for Rovers.

Instead, it was a Salford newcomer, ex-Wigan and Wakefield centre Gleeson, who had more to celebrate with a debut touchdown.

Rovers, whose only Super League defeat to Salford came in their first clash with the Reds in 2007, had won their last five meetings.

But the visitors were without the injured Clint Newton, who had scored in the last three wins over the Reds, whose run of 67 successive appearances came to an end.

Salford were missing props Ray Cashmere, suspended for the second time this season, and Iafeta Paleaaesina.

I am extremely upset but it is not time yet to hit any panic buttons Hull KR coach Justin Morgan

But Reds full-back Luke Patten was relishing the reunion with ex-Canterbury Bulldogs team-mate Mason and came out on top in the private duel.

Patten was involved in a mesmerising handling move involving more than half a dozen players which allowed Boyle to take Holdsworth's pass and storm over for the first try.

Salford, who had won only one of their five previous games this season, then stretched the advantage to when Holdsworth, Smith and Patten combined for Broughton to squeeze over in the corner.

Rovers clawed back to 10-6 at the break, when Blake Green put Craig Hall over for his second try since his close-season move from Hull.

They then struck twice more at the start of the second half through Hall again and Scott Murrell.

But after trailing 18-10, the home side, still without coach Shaun McRae, who is on sick leave, responded by running in 24 unanswered points.

Ratchford, Smith, Gleeson and an interception effort from Sneyd secured a well-earned two points.

Salford director of rugby Steve Simms:
"We did a lot of practice in the week on Willie Mason and we handled him superbly.

"Our main objective was to get him on the deck and stop his offloads and we did just that.

"Daniel Holdsworth won the man-of-the-match award and Luke Patten was sensational but Ryan Boyle and Adam Sidlow led the way.

"We had conceded an average 36 points a game this season but have worked hard in training on defence and it paid dividends."

Hull KR coach Justin Morgan:
"I am extremely upset but it is not time yet to hit any panic buttons. We are miles away from where we want to be but will just to have to keep our heads down and work hard.

"We did well to get back and lead 18-10 but then lost direction. They scored some decent tries but we had every right to win it when we went in front. We are not playing well and don't have the composure that's needed.

"Willie Mason was excellent last week and did some decent things tonight. But it's going to take him time to find his feet. He certainly put in the effort but ask me about him in a month when I will have a better assessment."

Salford: Patten; Broughton, Ratchford, Gleeson, Henry; Smith, Holdsworth; Boyle, Godwin, Sidlow, L Adamson, Nero, Wild.
Replacements: Neal, Sneyd, Marriott, Davidson.

Hull KR: Briscoe; Webster, Hall, Welham, Colbon; Green, Murrell; Wheeldon, Fisher, Watts, Mason, Galea, Netherton.
Replacements: Lovegrove, Clinton, Hodgson, Cockayne.

Attendance: 4,408.

Referee: Gareth Hewer (Whitehaven).

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