Lowly Salford stun leaders Saints

Stefan Ratchford touched down twice and was inspirational throughout as struggling Salford recorded a famous 20-10 victory over engage Super League leaders St Helens.

The rangy half-back, 21 later this month, claimed his two tries in the first 10 minutes and full-back John Wilshere converted both to put the Reds 12-0 up.

Remarkably, a third score arrived in the 16th minute when Ratchford orchestrated a fine flowing move which culminated in centre Darrell Goulding crossing in the left corner.

Salford deservedly led 16-0 at the break and, though Saints responded in the second half with a try through young replacement Andrew Dixon, there was no comeback.

The Reds lost stand-off Jeremy Smith to the sinbin in the 53rd minute but their workrate and desire harvested a fourth try five minutes later when wing Mark Henry touched down to send a raucous home crowd into raptures.

Francis Meli claimed a late consolation for the visitors in the 79th minute but the result ended Saints' record-breaking run of 16 straight away wins on a night when nothing worked for Mick Potter's side.

Wigan ran in eight tries as they brushed aside a feeble Harlequins side 40-12 in the night's other game.

The Londoners had already conceded early tries to Pat Richards, Mark Riddell and Karl Pryce when David Howell was sent off for dangerous head-high tackle on Sam Tomkins.

Wigan made their numerical advantage count and ran out convincing winners at the JJB Stadium with further tries from George Carmont, Amos Roberts, Joel Tomkins and two from Thomas Leuluai.

It would have been even worse for Quins had goalkicker Richards not missed from four of his eight attempts.