Crusaders boost play-off chances

Crusaders did their play-off chances no harm with an 11-try walloping of Salford at the Racecourse Ground.

Brian Noble’s side moved level on points with Castleford in 8th place, with a game in hand against Harlequins this Friday, thanks in part to 24 points from full-back Clinton Schifcofske.

Nick Youngquest helped himself to a hat-trick, while Tony Martin and Schifcofske crossed for two tries each, with Rhys Hanbury, Ryan O’Hara, Weller Hauraki and Frank Winterstein also getting on the score sheet.

Salford grabbed consolation tries through Stefan Ratchford, Ray Cashmere and Karl Fitzpatrick, but their woes were compounded by the dismissal of Kiwi Jeremy Smith for dissent in the final ten minutes.

Elsewhere in Super League, a late Michael Dobson penalty helped Hull KR grab a dramatic 28-26 win over Castleford, while Bradford’s winless run continued, as they slumped to an 11th consecutive defeat 24-22 at home to Catalans.