Salford Red Devils 42-10 Castleford Tigers: Red Devils move within touching distance of the top

Salford Red Devils put up a dominant display against strugglers Castleford to temporarily move joint-top of the Super League.

Salford came into the game having won three on the bounce, and travelled to the Jungle to play a Castleford side that have only won three times this season.

Rhys Williams opened the scoring for Salford, capitalising on a defensive error to jog over the line.

Rhys Williams scores his first try against Castleford. Image Credit: Super League YouTube Channel

Castleford caught Tim Lafai unaware and Jason Qareqare charged down the field to put Cas on the board moments later.

Gareth Widdop, having missed the chance to equalise for the Tigers, spilled the ball from a Mark Sneyd kick, allowing Sam Stone to combine with Chris Atkin to put Salford six clear.

A quick break gave Salford their third try immediately, Deon Cross bursting through the line and dummying the last defender to put Salford almost out of sight.

Silky @SalfordDevils 😎#SLCasSal pic.twitter.com/O4ogCzof3r

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) June 9, 2023

Ken Sio capped off Salford’s opening 20 minutes, creeping in at the far right side with a lovely passing move, making it 24-4.

Castleford were held at 20 behind by a wonderful Ryan Brierley tackle, with Tyler Dupree doing the same later on.

But the Tigers’ attacking spell eventually paid off moments before the buzzer, Kenny Edwards collecting a kick and crossing unopposed.

Williams got his second of the day after the break, thanks to Tim Lafai’s famous flick and into the zone.

Ken Sio also scored a brace, intercepting a loose ball and never looking back.

Lafai bagged his first and Salford’s seventh of the day, combining once again with Williams and ensuring a blowout in West Yorkshire.

Try for Lafai! 🇼🇸#SLCasSal pic.twitter.com/6pvPlMBoSK

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) June 9, 2023

The Red Devils’ final try came courtesy of a Brodie Croft flick forward into the hands of Sam Stone to end the game at 42-10.

There were some unsavoury scenes between both sets of fans at the match, with stewards intervening to prevent a brawl in the stand.

The win moves the Devils up into fourth following Wigan’s loss to St Helens, and joint top on points with Warrington, Catalans and Leigh. Both Warrington and Catalans have a game in hand on Salford.

Castleford remain a distant 11th.