Ian Watson rues costly sin-bin after Salford's loss to Widnes
Thursday 22 March 2018 23:44, UK
Ian Watson was left to rue Lama Tasi's costly sin-bin period after his Salford side fell late to Widnes Vikings at the Select Security Stadium on Thursday night.
The Red Devils had led 10-6 at the break after a dominant first half in which Craig Kopczak opened the scoring and two Robert Lui penalties put them in the driving seat.
The side led once again going into the latter stages of the game but gave up a 16-12 advantage.
"I'm really disappointed tonight, especially after the 65 minutes we have put in," said the Salford head coach.
"We were in control up and until that point. They got the rewards for doing the right things in the conditions. I'm just disappointed and frustrated as we felt we had the game won. We were in control."
Salford lost Tasi to the sin-bin for a high tackle just after the start of the second 40 minutes and in his absence, Widnes wrestled back the momentum in the encounter.
"They had nine sets to our one during the sin-binning and that was a big decision," said Watson.
"I'll have to look at the yellow card as I'm just not sure. I'll see it again but it didn't look anything in it for me.
"It's decisions not going our way. The penalties we have given away have hit us hard.
"We are in a game where anyone who stays down, the refs need to feel they have to give something these days, especially if the game is on TV."
Tries from Greg Burke and Aaron Heremaia secured Widnes' third win of the season and naturally, their head coach was content with the victory.
"I'm really pleased with the points," said Vikings' head coach Denis Betts. "We won the game on the back of resilience.
"We aren't a big side at the moment as we have a lot of guys on the sidelines and they are a big team and we got through it.
"Resilience is built on environment and culture. It was just about us sticking in the fight and defending our line.
"We have been in strong positions in the past and not managed to get the win. Tonight we did."
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Betts felt the two points were vital heading into a busy Easter period that sees Widnes face Warrington, St Helens and Hull KR.
"Every win is crucial - to Salford and us," he added.
"We wanted to hit Easter with a 50 per cent record. I thought if we could get to that weekend, with a massive local derby in the mix, with a 50 per cent record then we would still be on target."
