MARC HAS TREBLE TON OF FUN
MARC SNEYD received a shirt presentation from Hull FC to mark his 300th Super League appearance – and then proceeded to kick his former team to defeat.
Sneyd, who played 161 times for the Black and Whites, converted two tries and landed three penalties in play-off chasing Red Devils’ fourth successive win.
And the Hull old boy’s accuracy proved the difference as Ben Reynolds missed two late conversions that could have earned the visitors a rare victory.
“It was appropriate we should play Hull on his 300th game and we wanted to win for him,” said Salford coach Paul Rowley. “In a game that wasn’t polished on both sides, a performer and competitor like him was always going to have a big influence.
“Without being spectacular, he was a calming influence and probably the difference between the sides.
“Unfortunately for Ben, he will kick 99 out of 100 of those. Fortunately, for us he missed.”
Sneyd’s first penalty brought Salford level at 6-6 at half-time. The home side then took full advantage for a 40th-minute sin-binning for winger Tom Briscoe.
Ryan Brierley, in his first game back from injury since May, latched onto a Sneyd kick to touch down. Chris Hankinson quickly followed up with another Sneyd converted try to leave the Red Devils 18-6 in front.
Hull couldn’t get back on level terms but tries from Denive Balmforth,
Jordan Lane and Lewis Martin kept them in the hunt.
However, Reynolds, who scored his first try for the club in the opening period, twice failed from the tee to let Salford off the hook.
Hull FC interim coach Simon Grix was left “frustrated” after his team fell short.
“But I am proud of the lads,” added Grix after his team’s 14th defeat of the season.
“There were a lot of young blokes out there which is great for our future.”