Salford City Reds 34 Wakefield Trinity 12: Ratchford’s treble sees Wakefield well-beaten by Salford

The Reds ran in seven tries and the winning margin would have been more comfortable had they not missed four goal attempts.

Salford, whose new Australian coach Matthew Parish does not arrive until mid-July, had won only one of their previous five Super League matches but had achieved a 32-6 victory at Wakefield in the third match of the season.

Wakefield handed debuts to ex-Batley stand-off Gareth Moore and new Australian forward Jarrad Hickey, both of whom had the consolation of being on the scoresheet.

They also welcomed back Matt Blaymire, Julien Rinaldi and Josh Griffin, with Dale Morton and Stuart Howarth injured.

Wakefield made a flying start with a try from Tommy Lee after only two minutes, Moore notching his first Super League points with a touchline conversion.

A mistake from Frankie Mariano gave Salford the chance to reply almost immediately through Daniel Holdsworth.

Salford sneaked ahead 8-6 after Ratchford forced his way over for his first try. Rinaldi’s fumble led to the Reds’ third try with Ratchford side-stepping over.

Wakefield’s right-hand side was exposed again with Vinnie Anderson’s pass allowing Jodie Broughton to go over.

The Reds should have led by more than 16-6 at the break but did not take long to extend their advantage after it with Lee Jewitt powering over. Holdsworth landed the conversion.

Ratchford went over for his treble on the hour after smart inter-passing from Holdsworth, Smith and Patten to extend the lead to 28-6.

Hickey marked his debut with a try converted by Moore, before Luke Adamson brushed off Lee on a charging run to the line.

Salford City Reds: Patten, Broughton, Ratchford, Gleeson, Henry, Smith, Holdsworth, Cashmere, Godwin, Boyle, L. Adamson, Nero, Anderson. Substitutes: Paleaaesina, Jewitt, Neal, Sidlow.

Wakefield Trinity: Blaymire, G. Johnson, Murphy, Dean, Griffin, Moore, Lee, Korkidas, Rinaldi, Amor, Mariano, Morrison, McCarthy. Substitutes: Henderson, Davey, Higgins, Hickey.

Referee: James Child (Dewsbury)