Old Elthamians 28-21 Sale FC
4th Jan 2020
Too little to late a familiar tale, as Sale miss out.
This encounter was always expected to be physical with both teams residing either side of the table. Old Elthamians (OE) aim to push towards a top 5 whilst Sale look to generate some momentum in the new year.
The game produced what was expected on paper; with Old Elthamians coming out fast putting Sale under pressure from the get go. Well matched and perfect conditions with a fierce game ahead.
11” Sale continuously suffer from heavy pressure with the defense gasping after minutes of try-line defense, before an OE forward finds their way to the line, under the sticks, 11 minutes in.
15” Sale begin to generate some possession of the own with a Chris Johnson break most notable, putting OE on the back foot, but, nonetheless OE return well building possession again. A resulting penalty from an isolated ruck provides OE the opportunity to clear their lines. The subsequent line-out generates a well-executed move & chip kick to which Anthony Bingham reacts quickest, leaving OE inches from scoring.
20” Sale still on the back foot from the dot down with OE making a few crafty breaks, before The Dogs reciprocate some craft of their own. As Patrick Ah Van perfectly offloads to Fergus Mulchrone steaming down the center of the park who pins his ears back to finish off an exciting phase of play.
30” Momentum has certainly shifted in FC’s favor as they continue to hold possession and territory
OE 7-7 FC
But, the tale of this game gifts OE opportunity after opportunity to generate some phases, putting the Sale defence under threat, a quick shift with 5 minutes remaining of the half.
35” Good line-out defense from The Dogs leaves Elthamians after a physical maul, held up, without points.
Yet OE continue to build pressure as a generous cross field pops up for the winger to collect- Sale on the back foot- as play is shaped to the opposite end, fast hands leaves a gap in the middle of the park which is exploited- Try Scored Elthamians.
HT 14-7
44” A rocky start as Sale find themselves depleted, after an unexpected break from the Scrum-Half, making his own luck as he accelerates away, scoring under the sticks from a scrum at halfway.
OE 21-7 FC
Sale look the lesser on the scoreboard, despite a heavily contested game. A few thrills leaves them trailing.
48” OE continue to mount pressure 5m out from the line, but, gritty FC defense leaves them empty handed on this occasion.
58” An exciting game in between phases. With more to be added as an Elthamian prop finds himself in unfamiliar territory- on the end of a well delivered long pass as he touches down in the corner.
OE 28-7 FC
62” It’s all to fight for as Sale shape to the corner- as they are rewarded with some line-out expertise. A well-shaped line-out move leaves hooker Ollie Longmore free in the corner to dot down.
Possession and territory constantly changing hands, as the game heads towards an exciting ending.
70” Sale continue their thrill with possession, mounting pressure in an intense last 10, hopeful of more opportunity. Another penalty is sent to the corner, with the forwards’ expertise still fresh. A well delivered maul and resulting pick & go’s leave OE scrambling as Jake Pope finds the white wash from a meter out.
An exciting end to the game with Sale hopeful of a comeback as emotions turn sour with a few handbags thrown in the dying moments of the game-a fitting end to an aggressive encounter.
Sale FC unfortunately suffer the familiar tale of too little too late as they miss out on a win on the road. Not the ideal way to start a new decade, but certainly exciting looking ahead to the rest of the season.
FT Old Elthamians 28-21 Sale FC
Looking Ahead…Our Next Home Game.
@ Heywood Rd.
Highlights soon to come!
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