Sale struggling to find form

Sale FC headed to Kingsey Road to take on Chinnor, hoping to get their first win of the season on another warm September afternoon.

The hosts took the lead as early as the 3rd minute when prop, Keston Lines, crashed over the whitewash from a metre out. 5-0

The returning Tom Walsh made a couple of lively runs which earned penalties, but the first half became littered with blasts on the referees whistle.

With a couple of minutes remaining in the half, Tom Walsh was shown yellow for taking the opposing winger out in the air and the home side took advantage with a try from hooker, Alun Walker, converted by centre, James Bourton. HT 12-0

With only 5 minutes on the clock in the second period, the Oxfordshire men extended their advantage with a try out wide from winger, Kieran Goss, who was making his 150th appearance for the club. 17-0

Try as they might, the dogs couldn’t find a way back into the game with Tom Walsh having a try disallowed for crossing and, a couple of minutes later, the hosts secured a bonus point with a try from James Bourton. 22-0

The home side added further tries in the 63rd and 79th minute through  Nick Smith and Will Feeney to make it a thoroughly miserable afternoon for the blue and whites. FT 36-0

A bad day at the office for the dogs which leaves us bottom of the table after 3 games and, with a trip to Cinderford next, things don’t get any easier.

 

Five Points On the Road

Match Report

It had been a long time coming but, finally, National League One rugby was back for the dogs last weekend as they travelled to Oxfordshire to play Chinnor.

Resplendent in their new Supro away kit, the boys were hoping for a fast start, but found themselves behind after less than a minute as full-back, Oscar Heath, sprinted through a sizeable gap in the defensive line to score with ease.

Chinnor 7 Sale 0

Shellshocked by the early setback, Sale were soon under pressure again, this time from the bulky home pack, and were powerless to prevent a second try from flanker, Max Clementson.

Chinnor 14 Sale 0

Undeterred, the dogs began to gain some territory and struck back as the ball was moved wide for winger, Tom Brady, to evade several would-be tacklers and dive over in the corner. Chris Johnson adding a fine conversion.

Chinnor 14 Sale 7

The hosts added a couple of penalty kicks to stretch the score, and despite some good attacking opportunities, Sale were unable to hold onto the ball at crucial moments.

This was to prove pivotal as, with the last play of the half, the black and whites extended their lead further with a fast break leading to scrum half, Luke Carter, scoring under the posts.

HT Chinnor 27 Sale 7

The second half started with the boys firmly on the front foot and their efforts were finally rewarded with a fine try, Jack Metcalf showing tremendous footie skills to kick the ball on three times from deep before replacement scrum half, Callum Morris, dotted down.

Chinnor 27 Sale 14

Back came the hosts again with the forwards again to the fore and, after several pick and goes, Conor-Terrah Brockschmidt scored the bonus point and, ultimately, decisive try.

Chinnor 34 Sale 14

With less than 10 minutes remaining, Chris Johnson opted to kick to touch from 25m out and the decision paid immediate dividends as the lineout was won and replacement prop and debutant, Tumy Onasanya, crashed over the line.

Chinnor 34 Sale 21

Despite their best endeavours, the fourth try was to prove elusive for the dogs and Chinnor held on for a deserved victory.

FT Chinnor 34 Sale 21

 

Highlights Video (apologies there was no sound on the video)

 

This weekend we travel to Chinnor to take on the third placed team in the league. With a record of 6 wins 2 draws and 3 losses, they have 36 points and are only two points behind both Blackheath and Old Elthamians. Sale FC Rugby, got back to winning ways last week with a five point haul against bottom of the league Loughborough Students.  Saturday will see a debut for winger Billy Warra who starts at 11 in place of Paolo Odogwu.

We also see a change at Fly Half with Matt Sturgess replacing Kieran Wilkinson. Trivia Fact for this weekend, Chinnor is David Seymour’s original club as a mini and junior as well as playing senior rugby before moving to Saracens and then Sale Sharks.