Match Report – Leigh 10 – 20 Salford

Tries from Kallum Watkins, Andy Ackers, and Ryan Brierley, plus three conversions and a penalty from Marc Sneyd – who was also sin-binned – saw the Red Devils emerge victorious; Josh Charnley opened the scoring for Leigh, with a penalty try accounting for their other score

Salford celebrate a try in their win over Leigh

Salford Red Devils’ gate-crashed promoted Leigh Leopards’ party as they claimed a 20-10 victory in the Betfred Super League opening round clash at Leigh Sports Village.

Josh Charnley broke the deadlock with the rebranded Leopards’ first try back in Super League after a close-fought opening 20 minutes, but last season’s play-off semi-finalists turned things around to lead 12-4 at half-time.

Kallum Watkins and Andy Ackers both crossed for the Red Devils in the final five minutes of the half, followed by Ryan Brierley racing clear to finish against his former club 10 minutes into the second half.

Marc Sneyd being sent to the sin-bin followed by the hosts being awarded a penalty try meant the Leopards had their tails up again, but the Red Devils were able to hold firm and Sneyd put the seal on the win with a penalty on the final kick of the match after Tom Amone was sin-binned for foul play.

More to follow…