Super League: Salford Red Devils 58-26 London Broncos

Josh Griffin returned to Super League earlier this season after a spell with Championship club Batley

Josh Griffin scored 30 points as Salford eased to a convincing home win against relegated London Broncos.

The former Castleford centre crossed for three of the Red Devils' 10 tries and also kicked nine goals.

Greg Johnson also scored a hat-trick of tries, while Salford hooker Tommy Lee went over for the opening score of the match against his former club.

Josh Drinkwater was one of five try-scorers for London, who are certain to end the campaign bottom of the table.

Much was expected of the Red Devils at the start of the season, given their extensive winter recruitment, but they went into their penultimate game knowing they could not finish in the top eight.

They made a flying start, with Theo Fages setting up hooker Lee for Salford's first and then young forward Jordan Walne going over.

The Broncos replied through Australian winger Jordan Atkins, who went in at the corner for his fourth try in his last five appearances, but Griffin collected a Rangi Chase kick to add a third for the Red Devils.

Scores from Johnson and Logan Tomkins gave the hosts a insurmountable 26-point lead at half-time.

Iliess Macani's early second-half try gave the Broncos false hope of a comeback as Jason Walton's score, again created by Chase, began a procession of tries for the home side.

Griffin went over again and, after Johnson's second, he completed his hat-trick, although he was unable to keep his 100% record from the tee, failing with his ninth attempt after eight successful kicks at goal.

Three unanswered London tries from Matt Cook, Josh Drinkwater and Nick Slyney added some respectability late on but the final result was never in doubt and Johnson rounded off a high-scoring afternoon with his third try of the game.

Salford head coach Iestyn Harris:

"I wanted a response and got it, although it wasn't a 10-out-of-10 performance. The players have had a tough week and were always going to run out of energy a bit.

"We were crucified in the penalty count and I am left scratching my head how it was 11-3 against us.

"Josh Griffin has been biding his time after losing his place after the Wigan performance and took his chance well. He looked very good with the ball in his hand and was strong defensively."

London Broncos head coach Joey Grima:

"There were not many positives, although we only lost the second half 28-22.

"They scored three consecutive long-range tries but we could have capitulated and didn't.

"We gave a debut to up-and-coming Toby Everett and he was phenomenal with the job he was asked to do."

Salford: Locke; Johnson, Sa'u, J Griffin, Evalds; Chase, Fages; Morley, Lee, Tasi, Hansen, Ashurst, Walne.

Replacements: Puletua, D Griffin, Tomkins, Walton.

London Broncos: Farrar; Atkins, Mataitonga, Minns, Dixon; Thomas, Drinkwater; Slyney, Moore, Wallace, McMeeken, Vea, Cook.

Replacements: Everett, Krasniqi, Dollapi, Macani.

Attendance: 3,268.

Referee: Matthew Thomason.