South Lancs & Cheshire Division 1
Wirral 18 Sale F.C. 6
Sale had nothing to show despite a committed performance at Wirral against the free scoring league leaders.
The hosts had scored an average of 40 points in each of their home games this season, but it was Sale who made the more positive start putting pressure on the home side from the off. Mike Raikes put us in front on 15 minutes when Wirral were penalised for blocking, but the lead was short-lived as we transpired to give the ball away almost from the restart and following pressure in our own “22” Wirral finally went over for a try in the corner.
Despite the setback, we continued to take the game to Wirral and were putting pressure on the home defence until a crooked throw at a line out relieved matters for the home side. With five minutes remaining in the half Wirral drove deep into the Sale “22” and securing good line out possession moved the ball quickly, crossing for a second try and a 10-3 lead at the break.
Sale were again on the attack at the start of the second half as a deep kick by Mike Raikes put us in a promising position, but once again our line out throw was poor and a decent field position surrendered. Ten minutes into the half Wirral opted to run a penalty in our own “22” and crossed for their third try. The hosts were now looking more dangerous and would have scored a fourth but for Jack Moorhouse putting in a superb tackle to keep us in the match.
Wirral lost a player to the sin-bin for further use of the blocking tactic and Raikes kicked a second penalty to narrow the gap to nine points. We continued to take the game to the league leaders but too often continued to make basic errors in promising situations, and we were finding it difficult to penetrate a well organised defence.
Despite our efforts Wirral added a penalty in the final minute to complete a disappointing day for Sale and take the hosts two points nearer to the title.
Neil Thallon