Salford Red Devils responded to a below par first-half to win their first Super League win of the season against Leigh Centurions, 34-8.
The Red Devils struggled in the first period in both attack and defence but they vastly improved in the second period to make what was looking like a nervy evening, into a comfortable victory.
Leigh took the lead in the 6th minute after a free-flowing move opened up Salford who had no reply and Matthew Russel was on hand to finish the move off. The Centurions were unsuccessful with their goal attempt however, meaning the score remained 4-0.
Salford responded with a try of their own after a good spell and it was James Greenwood who had only been brought on in the 16th minute who finished off a well-constructed and powerful move.
Krisnan Inu added the extra points from his goal attempt to give the Red Devils a 6-4 lead.
The Centurions though weren’t fazed by going behind for the first time as they retook the lead through Ian Thornley after a fast move towards the left-wing.
Once again Leigh were let down by their goal kicker Reynolds who missed his second straight attempt for the extra points.
Leigh looked more threatening at the end of the half as they had done for much of the opening period but they couldn’t quite break through and the half-time score was Leigh 8-6 Salford.
After a brighter start to the second period, Salford found an important breakthrough as Kevin Brown broke away and converted to the right of the sticks.
Inu’s impressive conversion record continued as he added the extra points to give Salford a 12-8 lead in an increasingly fascinating match.
A big break for Salford well inside their own half resulted in Ken Sio running most of the pitch to score, with Leigh unable to catch the pacey winger.
Inu was once again successful with his penalty attempt to give Salford a 19-8 lead and a bit of daylight between themselves and Leigh.
The Red Devils put the game beyond doubt in the 68th minute and it was Brown again with his second try of the day and Salford’s 4th.
The only surprise was that Inu was unable to add the extra points, missing from relatively close range, so the score remained 22-8.
Salford further extended their advantage just minutes later as they began taking complete control of the second-half, it was Harvey Livett who set up his second try in two minutes and Chris Atkin went over to score.
Inu added the extra points to give the hosts a 28-8 lead, now a comfortable margin.
Having set the previous two tries up, Levitt got a try of his own in the 79th minute and with Inu adding the extras, the Red Devils came away 38-8 winners.
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