Rugby League News
Salford stun below par Saints
Super League leaders St Helens were left stunned as lowly Salford recorded an historic 20-10 victory against their celebrated rivals on Friday evening.
The star of the show was half-back Stefan Ratchford who touched down twice inside the opening 10 minutes to give the Reds an early advantage, one that they were never to relinquish.
With Saints showing their ability to recover from an early setback on more than a few occasions already this season it was a surprise when Salford forged further ahead, Darrell Goulding touching down after more good work from Ratchford.
A 16-0 half-time lead was thoroughly deserved and the second-half fight back from the Super League champions failed to materialise.
A try from Andrew Dixon was cancelled out by Salford's Mark Henry and although the Reds had Jeremy Smith sin-binned in the 53rd-minute, their work-rate enabled them to keep the Saints at bay until a late consolation try from Francis Meli.
In Friday's other match, Wigan coasted to 40-12 victory against Harlequins.
The Lancashire outfit were already well in control before Quins had David Howell sent off for a dangerous high tackle, allowing Wigan to take full advantage and ruin in eight tries in total.