South Lancs & Cheshire Division 1
Sale FC 32 Warrington 3
Despite the score-line Sale could have won this match by a much larger margin but for some poor handling at crucial times. The hosts started well with a fine run in the first minute from Mike Thiel to take play deep into the visitors’ “22” and eventually a neat move bringing debutant Tom Tabb into the line released Jack Moorhouse to score the opening try, converted by Mike Raikes.
The strong wind was making handling difficult for both sides during a period of scrappy play and almost half an hour had elapsed before Sale extended their lead with a Raikes penalty. Sale went further ahead within minutes of half time as Tom Lucas found a huge gap in the Warrington defence and coasted in for the try and with Raikes adding the extras Sale were 17-0 ahead at the break.
Warrington narrowed the gap early in the second half with a penalty from Danny Newens, before Raikes kicked his second penalty of the game to restore the 17 point lead. Sale were taking play deep into Warrington territory with charging runs from Dom Fraternali and Tom Maguire but both chances went begging, and it was not until the hour mark that Raikes burst through the visitors defence and threw a long pass to Tom Tabb for the winger to score in the corner.
Despite occasional Warrington forays, Sale continued to dominate territory and with ten minutes remaining confusion in the visitor’s defence saw the ball rebound of a post protector for No.8 Pat Wilson to pick up less than a yard out and touchdown for a try. Raikes added the conversion but despite further opportunities in the closing minutes Sale could not add to their tally.
Neil Thallon