Smith gracious in defeat

Warrington boss Tony Smith refused to use the absence of eight key players as an excuse for his side's shock 48-24 defeat at Salford.

Smith admitted several of the absentees were "fit and healthy" but insisted: "No excuses, we were outplayed by a very good team."

The Wolves, who pipped Salford 24-20 with an under-strength side at the Halliwell-Jones Stadium in May, were missing Brett Hodgson, Ryan Atkins, Joel and Michael Monaghan, Lee Briers, Ben Westwood, Garreth Carvell and Simon Grix.

Salford led 24-0 until Stefan Ratchford bagged a try against his old club just before the break.

The Reds continued their sizzling play to lead 44-6 before Warrington managed late tries from Richie Myler, Chris Riley and Matty Blythe.

Jodie Broughton, Danny Williams, Vinnie Anderson - against his old club - and Luke Patten each crossed for a brace for Salford with their other try from man of the match Matty Smith.

Reds boss Phil Veivers said: "The last time we played Warrington Tony also rested a few players but we came up short that day and were disappointed.

"He rested a few again today but we threw a lot at them and our game plan worked wonders.

"We have been beating the drum about the entertaining football we play for some time and have beaten Huddersfield and Catalan recently.

"Our problem has been the other side, defensively.

"I am very happy with this result and Tony resting a few should not detract from our performance.

"All their players had Super League experience. It was just a bit frustrating to let in 18 points near the end."

Wolves boss Smith admitted: "Some of our missing players were injured and some rested.

"I didn't want to take any risks with a cup semi final in a fortnight and a few players in Wednesday's Exiles match.

"We have rested and rotated all season and it was important to give some of our players who had been out some game time.

"Salford deserved their win and we still had a talented team out there.

"If anyone wants to blame me they can. I have no drama with that.

"It's how we bounce back from bad days that shows character and we have to learn from this."