Wildcats continue to roar

Wakefield claimed a second straight Super League win after three first-half tries virtually ended the contest against Salford at Belle Vue.

Tries from Damien Blanch, Oliver Wilkes and Ryan Atkins helped the Wildcats into a commanding 19-0 lead at the break after an insipid display by the Reds.

Salford caused more problems in the second half and rallied with a Stephen Myler try but Wakefield held on without many alarms.

Atkins and Blanch killed off the game with tries in the last five minutes, while Willie Talau grabbed a late Salford consolation.

The Wildcats, after failing to score a try in last week's defeat to champions Leeds, were over the line within two minutes as Ireland winger Blanch gathered a Scott Grix kick and powered over in the corner.

Tony Martin converted from the touchline and added a penalty from in front of the posts before the Wildcats claimed a superb second try after 17 minutes.

James Stosic burst through a gap from a fine Brad Drew pass and then stepped aside to send Wilkes under the posts.

Things soon got even worse for Salford as John Wilshere and Karl Fitzpatrick both failed to deal with a bobbling Martin kick to the corner.

Atkins took advantage of their uncertainty and dived in to add another four points.

Martin's two goals increased the lead further and Drew added another point with a drop goal just before the half-time hooter.

Having shown little attacking threat in the first half, Salford pressed early in the second but had little joy as Talau was bundled into touch.

But they at last managed to get themselves onto the scoresheet with 47 minutes gone, as the highly-rated Myler showed pace from 20 metres out to run over from Robbie Paul's pass.

Pressure

They then enjoyed further pressure with four consecutive sets in the Wakefield half but the hosts this time held firm.

The Wildcats also benefited from a stroke of luck when Ian Sibbit had a try ruled out for a Mark Henry offside, after a bouncing Myler kick caused havoc.

Atkins ensured there would be no fightback when he pounced on a Martin kick five minutes from time.

Talau forced his way over in the corner for Salford but Blanch completed the scoring with his second try.

The only downside to another encouraging afternoon for the Wildcats was a serious-looking injury for Grix.

Grix, who started at scrum-half, was helped from the field late in the first half with a leg problem.

He looks set to join a lengthy casualty list that already includes Sam Obst, Jamie Rooney, Danny Brough and Tevita Leo-Latu.