Super League: Salford Red Devils stun Huddersfield Giants
Last Updated: 05/07/14 5:32pm
Kevin Locke made an instant impact in Super League, scoring a try and kicking six goals to help Salford to a stunning 36-10 victory over Huddersfield at the John Smith's Stadium.
Despite flying into the country just four days earlier, full-back Locke played a starring role on debut to help the Red Devils end the Giants' four-match winning run in emphatic fashion.
The New Zealander wasn't the only new face to shine for Salford; fellow mid-season recruit Mason Caton-Brown marked his maiden appearance since joining from London Broncos with a stunning long-range try.
The visitors even managed to overcome the dismissal of prop Lama Tasi on the hour for a late tackle on Huddersfield captain Danny Brough to secure only their second victory in 11 games.
It was Caton-Brown who made an early mark with a break out wide that set up the position for hooker Tommy Lee to get Rangi Chase through a gap for the game's first try.
Huddersfield lost full-back Scott Grix with a leg injury after 13 minutesm then saw their defensive line breached again soon after when Chase and his half-back partner Theo Fages showed quick hands to get second rower Matty Ashurst over.
Raced back
Stand-in full-back Leroy Cudjoe raced back to bring down Locke, who had looked a certain scorer after collecting a loose ball and sprinting 70 metres up field.
Huddersfield pulled a try back midway through the first half when Brett Ferres set up Joe Wardle to make it 12-6 at the break, though Caton-Brown had a try disallowed a forward pass.
The Giants showed the kind of form that had seen them triumph in nine of their last 10 outings at the start of the second half, yet for all their pressure they were unable to find a way to the line.
Even when front rower Tasi was shown a red card for a challenge on Danny Brough, which forced the Giants skipper from the field clutching his jaw, there was no let-up from the 12 men of Salford.
Rather than retreat and sit on their lead they instead put the game to bed, crossing for three tries in a nine-minute spell.
Fages went over from close range before winger Greg Johnson scored one try and created another for Locke, who was taken off with 10 minutes left knowing his job was done.
Huddersfield did have the last word with a try from substitute Larne Patrick, which was converted by Cudjoe, but it was no more than a consolation effort at the end of a tough afternoon.