McRae: “We Need More Speed And Intensity”

Salford City Reds Head Coach Shaun McRae watched his side beaten out of sight in the first half for a second week running in Yorkshire after winning their opening game and said afterwards: “I think we are struggling to come to grips with the pace of Super League. We didn’t have any ball and for the first 10 or 15 minutes we are finding ourselves defending all the time. Some of that is our fault and some of it is good play by the other team.

Castleford had roared into an 18 point lead after just 12 minutes and from then on any hopes of a comeback were thwarted by a series of mistakes, bad decisions and penalties. There were occasional glimmers for the Reds who scored three tries and had a much better second period – just as they had a week earlier at Wakefield, but few fans left with any doubts after week one that this was going to be a tough first year back in Super League.

“We have just got to come to terms with the speed and intensity at this level and when we do we will be okay. With the football we did not look too bad – we just didn’t have enough of it. Defensively we have some issues and problems. I think that is an understatement when you concede 52 points,” he continued.

The Reds now face Harlequins at The Willows on Friday night in Round 4 and McRae urged the fans to get behind his team and back them: “It’s a very sharp learning curve for the guys going back into Super League and we need the backing of our supporters to help carry us through these opening weeks. They have been magnificent in far worse situations in the past and I’m sure they will be there to create a great atmosphere at home next week when we will be looking to make things difficult for teams visiting us at The Willows.

Castleford Tigers 52-16 Salford City Reds (eSL R3)

To see the highlights on RedPlanet TV, click the video link below.

The Reds were looking to make amends for a below-par performance last week at Belle Vue but couldn’t have got off to a worse start when knocking on close to their own line in the first set of tackles which put them under immediate pressure. Another knock on on their next set made life even more difficult and eventually a fantastic ball from Brent Sherwin to Michael Shenton saw the talented youngster arc in for a score out wide converted by Kirk Dixon.

Just like last week the Reds were struggling early doors and things got worse when Craig Huby crashed over for a second Tigers try on the 7th minute also converted by Dixon. It could have been even less pretty-reading as the Tigers then yet another early score ruled out for offside, it was brief respite though as on their very next set Ryan Hudson scooted in for a third converted try on just 11 minutes to give Reds fans Deja Vu from last week.

If Salford were to repeat their attempted come-back from seven days earlier it looked less likely in the 20th minutes when Richard Owen scored a fourth Cas try wide out, which Dixon missing his first conversion of the evening.

By the 26th minutes it was becoming clear that survival alone was going to be difficult as young star Joe Westerman reached out from short of the line to plant down the Tigers’ fifth try and end even the most optimistic follower was beginning to rule out the chance of two points!

Minutes later the Reds managed to fashion their first opportunity having had virtually no possession when a decent ball from sub Robbie Paul gave winger Mark Henry half a chance for a score in the corner but the Australian newcomer was bundled into touch.

After a little pressure on the Cas line, and having forced a drop-out Robbie Paul fed a smart ball to big Willie Talau who scored his second try in as many weeks for his new club. John Wilshere added a decent conversion and finally gave the Reds something to work with. There was almost more to cheer about as Malcolm Alker sent Karl Fiztpatrick free but referee Gareth Hewer brought the play back for a forward pass and that ended the action of the first half.

Unfortunately for the Reds the second half started with another Tigers’ score with the Reds conceding an early penalty that put them under pressure from the off. As had been the case for most of the evening the Castleford attack sliced through and Netherton scored a converted try in the 42nd minute.

Then followed 14 scoreless minutes, the longest period of the game before Richard Owen broke the 40-point barrier with his second. Tempers flared briefly and Hewer sin-binned the Reds’ Ray Cashmere and Castleford’s Criag Huby for fighting as the Reds continued to look for a second score of the night.

It was never looking likely though with the Tigers toying with the Reds defence and the heavily-tattooed Ryan McGoldrick threw an outrageous dummy and then danced through unopposed from 40m out to score et another simple finish.

There was eventually a second try for the Reds after decent work from the half-backs sent full-back Karl Fitzpatrick over for a score that Wilshere again converted.

Salford continued to work hard and there was good work from Luke Adamson who slipped a good pass out to Alker who fed the ball out to the wing for Mark Henry to bag his second for the club. Wilshere was unable to make his touchline conversion count but the second half scoreline read 18-16.

The Reds were looking to finish strongly and got a penalty in a decent position. Ray Cashmere back on the field spilled a pass off his chest and Dean Widders picked up the ball and scooted away to break the half century for the Yokshiremen and Dixon converted yet again -- his 8th from nine attempts and that concluded the scoring on a night which the Reds will be looking to put behind them as soon as possible.

Adamson Delighted At Reaching Initial Goal

Salford City Reds’ young forward star Luke Adamson has achieved his early season goal of forcing himself into the starting line-up and now intends to stay there. Despite his tender years Luke made his engage Super League debut for the Reds against last week’s opponents Wakefield Wildcats back in 2006. Coincidentally he scored his first try against the same team a year later and now last week at Belle Vue he racked up his 50th performance in the red shirt of Salford, also against the West Yorkshiremen.

“I’m delighted to be in the side -- it’s what I set out to do at the end of last season obviously, but we have a lot of good players all looking for a spot and I have to make sure I’m on top of my game if I’m to keep my shirt, but for now it’s mine and that’s the way I intend to keep it,” the politely spoken Adamson exclusively told RedPlanet.

“Everybody knows this week will be another tough game against Castleford. The Jungle is a tough place to go and they have signed a lot of players but we will certainly be looking to start better than last week.”

To see the full interview with Luke Adamson on RedPlanet TV, click the video link below.

Ratchford Called Into 19-Man Squad

The Reds head to Castleford this weekend chasing their second victory of the competition and Head Coach Shaun McRae has made one change to his 19-man squad with the inclusion of teenage star Stefan Ratchford.

Forward Lee Jewitt makes way and McRae is looking for a much improved performance on the Reds second trip to West Yorkshire in a week.

After a fantastic first round win over the Crusaders the Reds came down to earth at Wakefield Wildcats on Sunday as they were caught cold in the first half by John Kear’s men.

Jewitt is still struggling with illness after a picking up a virus a couple of weeks ago

Head Coach Shaun McRae said: “We’ve had a virus affect the camp in the early part of the week. There were some players who were poorly at Wakefield last week but were considered fit enough to play.

“Lee Jewitt has been ruled out through illness and Richie Myler has been struggling. He has missed a training session but there is every chance he will play on Saturday.”

“We will need to start better at Castleford than we did last week. Castleford are a good team that play expansive Rugby League and there is no doubt we will be tested. We will have to be more alert and aware than we were in several departments last week, especially in the first half,” he concluded.

Reds full-back Karl Fitzpatrick said: “We know it is going to be a tough year but here is a very strong family bond running through this current squad. It is definitely the strongest one I have been involved with during my time at Salford.  We’ll be looking forward to weekend and hopefully getting back on track.”

19-Man Squad v Castleford Tigers: Fitzpatrick, Wilshere, Henry, Talau, Smith, Myler, Cashmere, Alker, Stapleton, Sibbit, Parker, Swain, Turner, Littler, Leuluai, Paul, Ratchford, Adamson, Nash

RL Taster for Salford Primary Schools

In a bid to catch talented youngsters at an early age, Salford City Reds Foundation Development staff have been delivering weekly Rugby League sessions to years 1 & 2 in local primary schools in Wardley. Read more

College Rugby Team Gets World Class Session

Taking time out from a busy first team training schedule, Reds Head Coach, Shaun McRae joined students from the Pendleton College Rugby Academy this afternoon (Wednesday) and passed on his valuable Super League coaching experience as the team prepare for their next fixture.

Currently six points clear at the top of the North West League the Pendleton College Team are unbeaten in the league this year and with deciding  games against Wigan & Leigh College & Runshaw College looming on the horizon the  coaching session was a welcome boost in helping keep the players focused on the title run in.

Remarking on the college experience McRae said:

“The college team are extremely enthusiastic and I thoroughly enjoyed the coaching session.  The team has great potential and I wish them all the best for the rest of their season.”

The partnership with the Reds has turned the Pendleton College Academy into a real power house in student rugby league and has helped to attract new students to the College with local rugby players of both codes joining up to the academy while receiving a first class education under the new Salford City College umbrella.

Pendleton College RL Development Officer, Tom Wild said

“It’s been a brilliant effort from the lads to remain unbeaten all season in the league, and they deserve to go on and clinch the title this year. As a team they set themselves goals at the start of the year and have worked hard to achieve them whether it be in the gym, training or on a match day.

“Shaun is well aware of the pressures of being top of the pile having led the Reds to the national league title last year and the boys have learnt a lot from having a Super League Coach take a training session.”

Lottery Cash Heading Your Way? (25/2/09)

Now’s the time to find out if you are one of this week’s big winners on the Reds’ Golden Bond lottery. Each week you could win up to £10000 for a single £1 stake…think of how you could spend that money this Spring.

If you want to be kept up to date with the winners, simply sign up for our Read more

Reds Flipping Crazy for Pancakes

Reds stars Robbie Paul, Lee Jewitt and Stefan Ratchford joined Willows Chef Ian Roughley this morning for the much-loved tradition of making and eating pancakes on Shrove Tuesday.

Making an early breakfast appearance the first team players impressed the chef with their culinary skills and managed to eat the fruits of their labour for breakfast before embarking on a full days training ahead of the Castleford game this weekend.

“For novices to the catering trade the guys did really well,” remarked Chef Ian.

“It was all about team work and they really proved that they work well together off the field as well as on.”

All over the world, Shrove Tuesday is marked by quite different celebrations. In New Orleans, it’s celebrated with the Mardi Gras, and in Rio de Janeiro with the equally raucous carnival but Vice Captain Robbie Paul celebrated in own unique style with a triple pancake flip impressing both his team mates.

“I never realised making pancakes could be such good fun,” enthused Robbie.

“I’ll definitely be having another go with the kids tonight and let’s face it, if I can do it, anybody can do it.”

Catch the Reds flipping pancakes on Sky sports News throughout Shrove Tuesday and for those of you wanting to make pancakes of your own, Willows Chef Ian has supplied a simple pancake recipe.

Salford City Reds Simply Pancakes

Ingredients

250ml / ½ pint milk

120 grams / 4 ozs flour

1 egg

Pinch Sugar

Pinch Salt

15 grams / ½ oz butter (melted)

Vegetable Oil for cooking

Method

1. Whisk all the ingredients together with half the milk

2. When smooth add the remaining milk

3. Leave to rest for approx 30mins then whisk in the melted butter

4. Heat a pancake or non stick frying pan with about a teaspoon of oil, poor off any excess

5. Pour only enough batter into the pan to coat the pan thinly and evenly

6. Cook until lightly coloured, about 30 seconds, flip over and cook the other side

7. Slide onto a plate and serve

(Pancakes can be made in advance and warmed in the microwave to save time when serving)

Add the filling of your choice but jam, strawberries and cream make a true Reds’ pancake and it tastes delicious!

Reds Vacancy

Salford City Reds require a full time Door Canvasser

Basic salary £13,000 plus commission gives OTE of £20,000+

Experience in a similar role preferred, although ongoing training will be available for the right person. A driving licence is essential. Company vehicle / allowance negotiable. Duties include cold calling new customers at their homes in and around the Manchester area along with some basic paperwork on behalf of the clubs successful weekly lottery. Times to be arranged (aprox 35 hours per week).

If you are fed up with the usual home improvements, burglar alarms, right to buy or electric / gas conversions then this unique opportunity could be just for you!

In the first instance telephone 0161 736 6564 (ext311)    Office hours
07717 797 797                  Outside office hours

Varsity RL Hits the North West

Varsity rugby league comes to The Willows next month as Salford City Reds’ Foundation hosts the ‘Royal Navy Two Cities Rugby League Challenge’ between Salford and Manchester Universities.

Sponsored by the Royal Navy, the inaugural North West fixture, confirmed for Tuesday 24 March (KO 7.30pm) is expected to become an annual event showcasing and raising the profile of student rugby league as two of the country’s biggest educational institutions take to the pitch in one of the fiercest competitions in the student sporting calendar.

Lieutenant Chris Hegg, Royal Navy North West Business Manager, said:

“The Royal Navy is delighted to be sponsoring the Two Cities Rugby League Challenge as part of our wider partnership with Salford City Reds in 2009.
“Royal Navy Rugby League has developed rapidly since its recognition by the Royal Navy in 1997 to become the fastest growing sport in the Navy today.

“The Royal Navy offers a range of exciting and rewarding careers with excellent opportunities for individuals to achieve their full potential in a wide range of sports.”

The success of varsity rugby league throughout the country dominated by the Oxford and Cambridge game, has been the platform from which to develop the Varsity game in the North West of England and sporting stars from both Salford and Manchester Universities are eagerly warming up in preparation for the competition.

Reds Foundation Community and Business Development Manager, Mark Brocklehurst said:

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with The Royal Navy and very pleased to announce them as title sponsor for the upcoming ‘Two Cities Challenge’ at the Willows.

“This is year one for the Salford and Manchester Varsity match as we look forward to establish the event on the local sporting calendar.”
Matt Jeffery, Student Rugby League Manager for the RFL commented:

“Of course, the Oxford/Cambridge Varsity carries all the profile, especially as it’s screened live on Sky Sports TV, however, in time, games such as this ‘Two Cities Challenge’ could be just as big.

“Both Manchester and Salford University have massive sporting traditions and although Manchester came out on top in the University league competition this season I’m sure with ‘home’ advantage the Salford Uni boys will be keen to regain the local bragging rights.

“With talented players in both sides it should make for an entertaining evening of Rugby League”.
Tickets for the game are available from the club shop priced at £3 for adults and concessions.  For further details please contact the club shop on 0161 736 6564.

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