Sale FC 20 vs. 03 Cambridge
26th October 2019
By Bob Smith
Sale lift the gloom with a return to winning ways
Edited By Aidan Giblett
Clear scoring chances were few and far between in a first half where defences dominated. Cambridge had the upper hand in the early stages , forcing Sale to concede 2 penalties in quick succession ,the latter in scoring range, but the chance was missed.
As both teams effectively cancelled each other out with some resolute defensive play , Sale number 8 Jarad Williams was always available to take the game to the opposition.
The visitors continued to apply sustained pressure on Sale without ever really showing a cutting edge . As the match moved into the last few minutes of the first half , Sale began to take the initiative with some positive attacking play through the backs which so nearly resulted in a Sale try. Good lineout play from Matt Postlethwaite gave fly half James Williams the chance to find a gap and burst through the Cambridge defence, only to be held up with the try line just inches away.
HT Sale 00 vs Cambridge 00
The second half got underway with Cambridge quickly on the front foot, flanker Matt Dawson taking the visitors inside the Sale 22. Once again , resolute defence was the platform for Sale to clear their lines and get into an attacking position. The first score of the match came with a James Williams penalty , on 44 minutes , followed by another successful kick minutes later.
Cambridge reduced the arrears with a penalty on their own as the match approached the last quarter. The critical moment came in the 61st minute when after a strong break by full back Jonty Rawcliffe almost made the try line but was quickly followed by the Sale pack, driving at the line ,captain Andy Hughes eventually diving over to score.
Despite the 10-point advantage ,Sale had to put tremendous effort into repelling Cambridge as they attempted to get back in the game.
It was effectively all over in the 77th minute as Sales substitute scrum half Raffi Quirke was quickest to react to a loose ball following a less than text book lineout. Breaking down the narrow side he outpaced the covering defenders to score a wonderful breakaway try . A superb conversion from James Williams gave Sale an unassailable lead and taking his personal tally for the day to 4 scores from 4 attempts.
All in all, a gutsy, wholehearted effort from the Sale team against a solid ,hard working team in Cambridge.
FT Sale 20 vs Cambridge 03
Catch up with Sale FC captain and community manager- Andy Hughes. As he reflects on the season so far ahead of the Cambridge match. A fantastic display from the dogs despite a apprehensive first half. A good result, exactly what the club needed.
Also, catch up with Raffi Quirke and Andy Hughes with a post-match interview below
Sale FC face Birmingham Moseley away in their next fixture on the 2nd November. Remind yourself of our last encounter here and below.
Tickets for our next fixture can be purchased here
Thank you to everybody for your continued support. This isn’t just a club but a community.
#Salefamily #onesale