Johnstone hat-trick takes Wakefield to victory

Wakefield Trinity Wildcats earned a deserved 32-18 victory today against Salford Red Devils at Belle Vue.

It was Wakefield’s third successive victory under new coach Chris Chester, and it was distinguished by a hat-trick by Wildcats winger Tom Johnstone, who touched down once in the first half and twice in the second to continue his impressive development, with many fans believing he has the potential to be voted the Super League Young Player of the Year in 2016.

Wakefield took a 12-point lead after six minutes with tries by Jacob Miller and Michael Sio, while they had another try by Reece Lyne late in the game.

The Red Devils were never able to pull level with the Wildcats, scoring three tries through Gareth O’Brien, Matt Sarsfield and Justin Carney, although they suffered a blow when Carney had to leave the field with what looked like a leg injury.

A full match report and photos will feature in this Monday’s League Express

Match Details

Wildcats: T – Miller (2), Sio (6), Johnstone (37, 47, 77), Lyne (74); G – Finn 4/6
Red Devils: T – O’Brien (15), Sarsfield (34), Carney (61); G – O’Brien 2/2, Dobson 1/1
Half-time 16-12 Attendance 4,048