Report by Frank Grundy.

For the first 15 minutes the Reds were out of sorts - a combination perhaps of lack of match practise, a lot of new faces and a biting wind which led to a lot of dropped passes and penalties during the opening exchanges. Things quickly got much better, with Reds going on to score eight tries and seven goals by the time the final hooter sounded, including a hat-trick for Daley Williams who looked very sharp and fit, along with a brace of tries for Adam Sidlow who was busy throughout and once again pushed his claim for an extended run in the first team.

The first points however went to Oldham on 15 minutes as they converted a penalty after a play the ball offence by the Reds in front of their own posts. The Reds number 13 Josh Saunders responded almost immediately with a try following a good run. The conversion was successful from under the posts courtesy of the boot of Reds winger Darren Fletcher. Oldham refused to lie down though and scored a try of their own on 20 minutes when a cross field kick was collected by Lucas Onyango and converted by Stephen Fisher to give Oldham an 8-6 lead.

Again the Reds struck back immediately when Daley Williams swerved and stepped his way over for a great first try. Salford then dominated up until half time, scoring again to go in with a healthy 16-8 lead.

The second half began as the first had ended with a further try for the Reds, with hooker Mark Hobson crashing over for a converted score near the posts. Good play and excellent handling created the opportunity for Adam Sidlow to score his first try of the game, and the big forward’s super dummy and surprising turn of pace saw him scoot over untouched from 30 yards out.

The next try gave trialist fullback Jonny Campbell a chance to show what he hopes to do regularly for the Reds in future - an impressive break, swerve and change of pace completely bamboozling his opposite number. The procession of Reds tries continued right up until the end with Adam Sidlow adding to his tally and Daley Williams again showing he still has all the talent required to make it at the very top of the game by completing a fantastic hat trick.

All in all a very satisfying run out for the Reds after a shakey start and a really good game to watch.

Final Score: Reds 46 Oldham 8

The annual Mayor’s Charity Appeal will conclude with a spectacular function at The Willows in Salford on 18 April.

The Charity Appeal has been raising money for the past 12 months for The Salfordian, St Ann’s Hospice and the Diana Children’s Community Nursing Service and the city will now come together for this gala occasion and be entertained by the fabulous Houghton Weavers while being served up a traditional Lancashire Hotpot meal.

Salford City Reds’ Chairman John Wilkinson, OBE said: “This will be a terrific night for Salford and the Mayor’s Charity. All three causes have benefitted over the last 12 months and we hope to end the year in a special way with this night at The Willows and raise as much money as possible.”

The night will be used to raise funds for all three charities and will be compared by the fantastic Martin Gregory Lambert.

The Houghton Weavers are the world-renowned folk three-piece and will be entertaining the crowd with a selection of their hits from yesteryear.

Formed in 1975, they made their television debut in the BBC’s talent show “We’ll Call You”. So successful were they that, within a couple of months they were given their own show “Sit Thi Deawn” which continued for six series over seven years and had the highest viewing figures for any regional T.V. programme.

As well as their own show the Weavers have appeared on many other national TV programmes for both BBC and ITV including “Jim’ll Fix It”, “This Is Your Life” and “The Video Entertainers”. They have also released 25 albums and seven singles.

Tickets for the event are priced at contact Trish or Andrew on 0161 736 6564 for further details.

£10 Dining
£5 Non-Dining

Salford City Reds Reserve Team take on Oldham at the Willows this Thurday 17 April.  Tickets are prices at £4 adults, £2 concessions and Juniors and access to the game is through The tavern.

Please note this game is the rearranged date for the game cancelled on Easter Monday.

Salford City Reds find themselves with a change of routine to the usual schedule of Friday Night Football at the Willows, as they embrace Thursday night football in a series of Sky games to be shown over the next few weeks. The Northern Rail Cup quarter final draw, held during the half time game between Dewsbury and Batley last night (Thursday) saw the Reds drawn away to Featherstone Rovers and a game immediately picked up by the broadcasting giant, making a total of five televised games for the Reds over the next two months with three consecutive televised games in May alone. Salford City Reds Media & PR Manager, Kate Parkinson commented: “This is great news for Salford City Reds and confirms our status as the premier draw team in National League 1. With The RFL recently producing news that TV audiences are on the up in rugby league, we are confident that as the most watched team outside Super League we will be able to compliment this trend.” The Reds kick off the first of their Sky fixtures with a home game against Whitehaven on Thursday 24 April, and the club has 200 family tickets (2 adults, 2 children) to give away for the fixture. Tickets for the ‘National League Scorcher’ are available on a first come, first served basis by calling the club on 0161 736 6564, option 2. Further information is available at www.reds.co.uk. -Ends- The confirmed Salford City Reds Sky fixtures are as follows: Salford City Reds V Whitehaven RLFC Thursday 24 April KO 7.30pm Salford City Reds V Celtic Crusaders Thursday 15 May KO 7.30pm Featherstone Rovers V Salford City Reds (Northern Rail Cup Quarter Finals) Thursday 22 May KO 7.30pm Whitehaven V Salford City RedsThursday 29 May KO 7.30pmWidnes Vikings V Salford City RedsThursday 19 June KO 7.30pm

Salford City Reds welcome Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service to tonights game as Salford City Reds take on Widnes at the willows.

Working with partners within the local community the Fire and Rescue Service is working to raise awareness of the risks from fire and other hazards which affect all those who live in, work in or visit Salford and will be teaming up with Salford City Reds in launching the ‘Streetlights’ project, designed to reach the young people of Salford and engaging with themn through rugby coaching.

Last year there were 334 accidental house fires in Salford alone and and the Fire and Rescue Service are are looking at reducing these numbers and providing free home risk assessments to all residents of Greater Manchester.

To find out more speak to the Fire and Rescue Team at the Willows this evening.  Further details are also available by calling 0800 555 815or by visiting www.manchesterfire.gov.uk

The next event in Paul Hightons Testimonial calendar is a ‘Legends of Rugby League’, questions and answers evening to be held on Tuesday 15 April 2008 in the Lowry Suite at the Willows.

Hosted by BBC Manchester Sports Presenters, Jack Dearden and Trevor Hunt, Special guest panellists include Paul Forber, Iestyn Harris, Shane Hansen and referee Ian Smith.  Former Salford City Reds Coaches Karl Harrison  and Andy Gregory will also be making  guest appearances back at the Willows.

The doors of the Willows open at 7.30pm for an 8pm start and admission is £5 payable on entry.

Tonights reserve game away to Widnes Vikings has now been cancelled and rescheduled for Thursday 3 July