Magic Weekend: Salford soundly beaten 38-16 by Widnes Vikings
Last Updated: 01/06/15 1:04pm
Salford's poor season continued as they were handed a 38-16 beating by Widnes in the opening game of Super League's Magic Weekend.
The Vikings ran in seven tries at St James' Park in Newcastle, with Kevin Brown helping himself to a hat-trick as the struggling Red Devils were soundly defeated.
Widnes won plenty of local support before the game, unveiling a new black and white striped kit and having it sponsored by the Bobby Robson Foundation, the charity set up in the name of the popular former England and Newcastle manager who died in 2009.
Their fans packed out the Gallowgate End and the club confirmed just before kick-off that £20,000 had been raised, and Robson's son Andrew said: "To see the players and fans in black and white stripes, here at St James' Park, was very special. Watching rugby league here has been a new experience for me and something I've enjoyed a great deal."
Widnes' feelgood factor spread on to the pitch, although it took an opening try from Salford's Cory Paterson to kick the Vikings into life.
His 13th minute score was soon cancelled out by Patrick Ah Van and Widnes grabbed the lead on 20 minutes when Danny Galea crossed for their second try.
Ah Van completed his double and Brown started his try haul before half-time, with Salford's chances of a second-half fightback from 20-4 down not helped when Darrell Griffin was sent off for a high tackle seconds before the interval.
Griffin was playing alongside brothers Josh and George for the first time, on an emotional day for the family just a handful of days after the death of their father Martin.
Brown scored his second try three minutes after the break, but Salford clawed their way back within 10 points with converted scores from Greg Johnson and Ben Jones-Bishop, the latter try coming just before the start of the final quarter.
But Widnes took advantage of their extra personnel to control the final 20 minutes with Brown completing his hat-trick on 62 minutes.
Stefan Marsh gave the scoreline more of a lopsided look with the game's final score nine minutes from the hooter. Jack Owens landed five conversions for the Vikings.
And there was more trouble for the Griffins in the closing minutes when Josh was sin-binned, along with Widnes centre Cameron Phelps. on 77 for a punching offence.
