Broncos rally to stun Reds

Ashley Gibson: Two tries for the Salford City Reds were in vain

Craig Gower: Inspired the Broncos in the second half at the Twickenham Stoop

The London Broncos produced a stunning second-half comeback, running in seven unanswered tries, to beat Salford 40-28 at the Twickenham Stoop.

The Londoners trailed 28-6 at the interval, but an inspired display from Craig Gower guided them back from the brink, the Australian half-back contributing a try and four goals, as well as creating three further scores.

For Salford it was a bitter pill to swallow as their Stobart Super League play-off hopes suffered a huge blow.

The Reds were looking for the double after thrashing the Londoners 44-12 back in March, while London needed the two points to give themselves any chance of moving off the foot of the table this season.

It was the hosts who made the brighter start, taking the lead inside five minutes when Luke Patten's loose pass was intercepted by winger Omari Caro who had a clear run to the line.

But that score was quickly matched, Danny Williams' break allowing Sean Gleeson to canter over and bring the Reds back within two points.

On 14 minutes Salford eased into the lead, Anderson taking advantage of some poor cover defence to cross in the corner.

The visitors were looking to attack all over the pitch, and that attacking intent was rewarded with a third try when Patten's break allowed Ashley Gibson to touch down, with Daniel Holdsworth adding the extras to make it 14-6.

Poor London tackling

Gibson then added his second as the tries kept coming, and with 31 minutes on the clock Matty Ashurst added a fifth after more woeful London tackling.

There was still time before the break for Jodie Broughton to get his name on the scoresheet, strolling home after yet more atrocious Broncos defending.

To their credit London came out with renewed vigour after the break and they were first on the board once more, Gower finishing off a smart break from Julien Rinaldi and adding the extras himself.

Minutes later the hosts added another try, Tony Clubb on hand to pick up the pieces after David Howell had slapped back Gower's cross kick.

Whether it was London increasing the tempo or Salford taking their foot off the gas is debatable, but the contest had a very different feel entering the final quarter.

And that got even tighter on 67 minutes when Kieran Dixon made it a one score game when he scorched over in the corner after a flowing move.

Amazingly the Broncos were to score again seconds later, Chad Randall snaffling a short kick-off and releasing Chris Bailey for a run to the line.

London were to move ahead in sensational fashion with nine minutes remaining, Jamie O'Callaghan bursting over after Michael Robertson stole a booming Gower kick from the grasp of Gleeson, with Lovell and Luke Dorn adding further late scores to wrap up a stunning triumph.