Category: Rugby

12-man Sale FC claim incredible win

Sale FC travelled to Hertfordshire to take on a Bishops Stortford side who had won their previous 4 matches in National League 1.

The game was preceded by an impeccably observed minutes silence for Remembrance and, when the action got underway, it was clear that both sides had come to play.

The boys, in their fabulous black change strip, struck first in the 10th minute when Nev Edwards received a pass 30m out and preceded to jink through a bewildered defence to score in the corner. 0-5

The lead lasted only 5 minutes as the hosts went through several phases near our line and eventually broke the dam through scrum half, Connor Lloyd. 7-5

Sale were undeterred and bounced back almost immediately as Kieran Wilkinson danced through the defensive line and showed a clean pair of heals to dot down under the posts before adding the conversion. 7-12 

Play swung from end to end for a while but the last 15 minutes saw a period of domination for the dogs, earning penalty after penalty at the scrum. An inevitable yellow card for the home side followed and, following a kick to the corner, we won the 5m lineout and mauled to the line with Huw Davies diving over; Kieran Wilkinson added the extras HT 7-17

Bishops Stortford made a flying start to the second 40, moving the ball well from inside their own half to score a fine try and reduce the arrears. 14-17

The boys regrouped again and, after a period of pressure, increased their lead with a well-worked try, Kieran Wilkinson putting a chip kick over the defence for Nev Edwards to collect and score his second try of the game 14-22

The game took another twist in the 52nd minute as the hosts scored their third try through full-back, Dan Powell and, 3 minutes later, they were level through a Connor Lloyd penalty 22-22

The response from the dogs was to take the lead again in the 68th minute, driving to the line from a 5m lineout and Oli Longmore diving over; Kieran Wilkinson on target with the conversion 22-29

The match was set up for a grandstand finish and we certainly got it with the home side camped on our line for what seemed like an age. With time in the red we were shown, not one, not two, but three yellow cards and it seemed inevitable that Stortford would score to level the game.

Unbelievably, the remaining 12 players put the shift of their lives in and we managed to turn the ball over and kick out of play to secure the five point win. FT 22-29

An epic finale to a superb game of rugby against a very good Bishops Stortford side.

 

Mark Lawrence

Mark Lawrence RIP

The club is extremely sad to learn of the tragic passing of former 1st team player Mark Lawrence. Mark was involved in a serious accident three weeks ago, causing serious injuries, injuries he was sadly unable to recover from despite him putting up a huge fight. Mark passed away peacefully on Sunday, with is family by his side.

He was a very much loved and popular member of the Sale FC Family, an extremely gifted player with an infectious smile, which made him a privilege to play alongside, coach and watch play the game we all love. His playing career was cut short after a series of shoulder injuries took their toll. He joined the club in 2013-14 season and played all the way through to our first season in National 1 in 2019. Mark enjoyed lots of success with the club, he played in the Cheshire Cup final winning team of 2014, bringing the Cup back to Heywood Road for the first time in 17 years, he was a member of the National 3 North title winning squad, and he was also a key member of the 2017-18 National Two North title winning side, playing in 25 of the 30 games that season.

Mark’s passing is a devastating loss and the thoughts and prayers of everyone at Sale FC are with Mark’s family and close friends, we all send our deepest condolences at this tragically sad time. We will miss Mark dearly; he will leave a big hole on all our hearts but lots of fond memories.

RIP Mark

Sale FC Rugby

Mark Lawrence, Ciaran Connolly, Matt Bradley, Jonty Rawcliffe, Ollie Longmore Celebrating winning National 2 North
Mark Lawrence, Ciaran Connolly, Matt Bradley, Jonty Rawcliffe, Ollie Longmore Celebrating winning National 2 North

 

Jonathan Smith

RIP Jonathan Smith

It is with greatest of sadness that I announce the passing of our U13s M&Js coach and former 1st XV Physio Jonathan Smith. Jon will be greatly missed by everyone at the club, where his passion and dedication to Sale FC Rugby and his young players was so clear for all to see.
Our love, thoughts and prayers go to his wife Joeline, his son Josh and the rest of the family and, as a club we will be there to support them in any way we can. As a mark of respect and acknowledgement of how much Jon meant to the club and our members, we will be marking Jon’s passing before kickoff at all games our club teams play in this this weekend.
Scott Bambrick
Chairman Sale FC Rugby

Ground Safety Policy

Dear All,

We have new ground safety standards that are mandatory and will be enforced by our Local Council.

The three big changes are.

  1. The front of the Smithy’s Bar now needs to be clear of people during match day
  2. The front of the Richard Trickey Stand is now to be kept clear during match day
  3. There will be additional stewards on match days to keep in line with mandatory stadium requirements.

Please be aware that we know that some people have been standing in these places for generations with no recognisable issues, it is however, the view of the councils inspectors on stadium ground safety regulations that these areas must be kept clear for safe evacuations. Please be courteous to our ground stewards and to any club ambassadors (volunteers) who might ask you to move away during matches. The full policy can be found here