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RUGBY LEAGUEWILSHERE INSPIRES REDS LETTER DAY
PROUD: Shaun McRae Monday September 29,2008 By Martin RichardsCeltic Crusaders 18 Salford Reds 36 (After extra-time)
JOHN WILSHERE was the cool-headed hero for Salford as they marched back into Super League armed with the National League One title.
It was Wilshere who sent a thrilling Grand Final at Warrington into extra-time with a 40-metre penalty with 20 seconds left after Darren Mapp held down Reds scrum-half Richard Myler.
Salford had led 10-0 in the first half but the Crusaders, who join the Reds in Super League next season, clawed their way back and looked on course for victory until Mapp’s rash moment of indiscipline. Robbie Paul’s kick then set up a try for Ian Sibbit in the third minute of extra-time, quickly followed by Paul White’s second touchdown of the game.
Myler sealed it with a 50-metre interception try and Wilshere, who will line up for Papua New Guinea against England in the World Cup next month, landed his sixth goal. “Wilshere handled the pressure really well,” said Reds coach Shaun McRae. “The Crusaders never went away and the game could have gone either way. To win every trophy we’ve competed for this season speaks volumes for the players.”
But the Crusaders, who only came into existence three years ago, contributed hugely to a game of high drama.
“Give credit to Salford – they kept chipping away and did a great job in the last 20 minutes,” said coach John Dixon. “We thought we had the game with 20 seconds to go, but we’ve still had a wonderful year after winning promotion and then coming so close to the title.”
Salford took the lead after five minutes with a 50-metre try from White then Matt Gardner went over in at the corner.
The Crusaders hit back with tries from Anthony Blackwood, Luke Dyer and Jordan James.
Karl Fitzpatrick scored to regain the Reds’ lead before the game swung Celtic’s way again with David Tangata-Toa’s try. But it was Salford who had the final word. 
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