Sale FC managed to overcome tricky conditions and an even trickier opposition to pick up five points and consolidate their lead at the top of the table. Although Hinckley kept pace by also picking up five points, we are four clear with a game in hand. A Full Match Report is Now Up Here
A massive game down at Hinckley this weekend saw Sale pick up 4 points to move us clear of the opposition. This was a no holds barred game with a level of commitment from both sides that hasn’t really been matched this season. Sale have a superb defensive record but it was tested throughout this game. With three yellow cards, at one point Sale were down to 13 men in the final 20, but managed to control the game superbly. The biggest difference between these two teams on Saturday was the game management from 1 to 20. We took our chances, Chris Johnson kicked flawlessly, the front row were resolute and they didn’t let the “enthusiastic” crowd get to them.
Final Score Sale FC 26 Hinckley 18
Sale FC overcame a strong South Leicester side by 39 points to 7. Hinckley also picked up five points today but we still remain top on points difference with a game in hand.
Tries from Dan Birchall, Sam Stelmaszek, Adam Aigbokhae, Rhys Davies and Andy Hughes plus 14 points from the boot of Chris Johnson saw a fantastic performance in front of an enthusiastic crowd on a very cold day.
Sale extend winning run to stay top
After climbing to the summit of National League 2 North last week, Sale entertained sixth place South Leicester at Heywood Road.
If they were feeling any pressure to sustain their position, Sale weren’t showing it, as they quickly started to dominate territory and took the lead with a penalty from Chris Johnson following a high tackle.
The first try duly arrived as the forwards attacked the try line and captain Andy Hughes dived over with Chris Johnson adding the conversion.
Another penalty from Chris Johnson extended the lead before winger Anthony Bingham somehow wriggled free from several opposing players in midfield to set up a sweeping move that saw Rhys Davies score in the corner.
HT Sale 18 South Leicester 0
The second half had only just got underway when South’s fly half intercepted a pass on the half way line to sprint in unchallenged and add the extras.
However, this was just a temporary blip as the blue and whites applied the pressure again with a kick to the corner and, having been stopped just short a couple of times, Dan Birchall powered over for his fourth try in four games.
Not even an unfortunate yellow card for the try scorer could derail the home side as full back Jonty Rawcliffe left players in his wake with a 60 yard break and, with the defence all at sea, Adam Aigbokhae strolled in for the bonus point try.
Sale then proved that they can defend as well as they can attack as they put bodies on the line time after time to resist wave after wave of South Leicester attacks before another fantastic break, this time from Tom Ailes, led to Sam Stelmaszek adding a fifth and final try.
FT Sale 39 South Leicester 7
Second placed Hinckley also achieved a bonus point win at Sheffield Tigers to stay level on points and set up what should be a fantastic and potentially season-defining game at Leicester Road next week. KO 3pm.
Sale top after 10th straight win
Our Highlight video will be up soon
Sale ventured across to Sheffield for the second week running to face a team languishing towards the foot of National League 2 North.
The game started with the home side exerting pressure deep in the Sale half but the visitors broke to devastating effect as a length-of-the-field move was temporarily halted, before Jake Barron charged down an attempted clearance and bludgeoned his way over the line.
This was to be the story of the first half with Sheffield dominating territory only for Sale to counter clinically, scoring two more tries through Arron Reed and Adam Aigbokhae following superb lung-busting runs from the latter and Andy Hughes respectively.
HT Sheffield 0 Sale 19
Sale came out after the interval and were immediately on the front foot and the try bonus point was secured when Dan Birchall breached the defence for his third try in three games.
Sheffield were now finding it difficult to get out of their own half and sub Sam Stelmaszek, returning from injury, took advantage of a loose ball in midfield to sprint in for a fifth try.
The Yorkshiremen eventually got on the score sheet with a try of their own, only for Jake Barron to respond almost immediately as he dived over from close range.
The hosts kept coming and secured a second try after a good break in midfield but Sale had the last word as Arron Reed intercepted a loose pass in his own half and left everyone in his wake with Chris Johnson adding a sixth conversion out of seven attempts.
FT Sheffield 10 Sale 47
With leaders Hinckley losing a tight game to Sedgley Park, Sale hit the top of the table for the first time this season and will be aiming to stay there when they entertain South Leicester at Heywood Road next Saturday (KO 2:15pm).
Sale FC travelled to Sheffield Tigers who lie just off the Arctic circle based on todays conditions. A cross between sunstroke and frostbite saw Sale take five points in a 27-16 win and Sheffield Tigers. A full match report and video to follow.
After the game we caught up with Andy Hughes and I think you can tell that it was quite cold in Sheffield yesterday!
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