Salford Red Devils full-back Gareth O’Brien scored the decisive try as his side defeated Leigh Centurions 12-6 at the AJ Bell Stadium on Good Friday. The result was Salford’s fifth successive league win as Leigh suffered their fourth straight loss. Four things we learned from the result:
Five straight wins for the Red Devils
Ian Watson’s side claimed their fifth straight Super League win at the hands of the Centurions and kept the pressure on leaders Castleford. Despite the victory not being achieved in the same blistering fashion as their away wins at Widnes and Hull FC, this result showed that the home side can grind out victories as well as blow teams away. Salford remain two points behind Castleford, who have a game in hand.
Another loss for lowly Leigh
Leigh Centurions’ bad run of form continued on Good Friday as they suffered a fourth successive Super League defeat. Neil Jukes’ side are yet to win away in the top flight this season and their last victory came against Warrington Wolves. The club now face a trip to Hull FC on Easter Monday who are without a win in three.
Key figures striking for Salford
Red Devils full-back O’Brien hadn’t scored for his side since their win away at Widnes, but the Englishman made the most of a quick attacking move to claim victory this time round. The Salford squad is full of key players who can provide such moments and this depth will be key if the club are to push for the top four.
Points hard to come by for Centurions
The Good Friday tie was the first time Leigh have scored less than 10 points in a single match this season. For a newly promoted side, they have been able to put points past every defence so far – apart from Salford. The Centurions only managed one try against their hosts as Mitch Brown went over in the first half.
Salford 12 (6)
Tries:ย Kris Welham (x1), Gareth O’Brien (x1)
Goals:ย O’Brien (x1), Michael Dobson (x1)
Leigh Centurions 6 (6)
Tries:ย Mitch Brown (x1)
Goals:ย Adam Reynolds (x1)
