Another defeat for Salford Red Devils
Castleford Tigers 48 - 16 Salford Red Devils
Another thrashing for Salford
Author - Sophie T
A match played in bright sunshine at The Jungle was illuminated further by a dazzling display from home full-back Tex Hoy, who rattled in a superb hat-trick and had a hand in three more tries.
Victory allowed Castleford to move four points clear of the battle at the bottom with Huddersfield Giants and Salford anchored in their own private battle at the foot of the table.
Salford's off-field troubles following the eve of season takeover, with unpaid wages, big-name exits and chief executive Chris Irwin resigning three months into the job, have had obvious knock-on effects.
The match in a wider context
The Red Devils had won only once in 10 Super League games before their trip to the Tigers, and what was obvious from the opening moments was that, while there is talent and drive in this squad, there is little confidence.
Salford got close to Castleford's goalline in a bright opening on a number of occasions but they just could not find the right pass or make the right decision against a stubborn Tigers defence.
In contrast, the hosts went over with their first real chance as Hoy spun his way out of trouble to ground the ball after seven minutes. They doubled their lead almost halfway through the first period when Cini picked up Asi's kick and went over.
The try brought up a 400th league point conceded by Salford this season. A sad summing up of the club's season so far. Ot got worse before the end of the first period when Hoy's break from his in-goal area set up a machine gun set of passes which Senior finished off.
Two minutes before half-time, Hoy scored his side's fourth try after a brilliant break and exchange of passes with Senior.
Some respectability back for Salford?
At 24-0, Salford left the field haunted by the spectre of a sixth 'nilling' of the season, but they emerged energised and claimed two tries in eight minutes from Foster and powerhouse Macdonald.
Amazingly, Salford had given themselves a chance. However, as they approached the hour mark a converted try from Mustapha took the score to 30-10.
There was then a creeping inevitability about another thrashing
Hoy won a foot race to ground the ball for a sixth try and his own treble. Mellor and Asi added tries seven and eight, yet it was to Salford's credit they kept battling to the hooter.
Macdonald went over for his second in between those two Cas tries which, given the circumstances of the match and his side's season, was understandably barely celebrated.
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