Sale FC vs Plymouth Albion

Plymouth Albion were the visitors to Heywood Road on a warm, humid day with the boys looking to bounce back from their disappointing defeat at Tonbridge the previous week.

The positive intent was clear from the off and the dogs took the lead in the 3^rd minute when an attempted clearance kick was charged down, leaving Stone Priestley-Nangle to pick up the loose ball and dive over; Chris Johnson converting.

Sale 7 Plymouth 0

The visitors bounced back within minutes as ex-Sale FC centre, Jeremy Toa, made a fine break from midfield, offloading for winger, Alex Ducker, to score in the corner.

Undaunted, the dogs attacked again with pace and precision, Tom Walsh ending a superb move with an acrobatic finish in the corner and Chris Johnson kicking a fine conversion.

Sale 14 Plymouth 7

The middle of the half saw the Devonshire men enjoy a period of possession and territory, but the Sale defence was rock solid, two thumping tackles from Tom Brady and James Robins being highlights.

In the 32^nd minute, the dogs scored their third try as Andy Hughes soared to win a 10-metre lineout, the forwards then mauling to the line for Josh Brown to touch down.

Sale 19 Plymouth 7

With half-time approaching, the visitors closed the gap with a penalty from fly half, Thomas Putt, but there was still time for the dogs to score the bonus point try through Andy Hughes after another strong driving maul.

HT Sale 26 Plymouth 10

Sale started the second half with a similar attacking mindset, Andy Hughes and Fergus Mulchrone showing silky handling skills to take us deep into Plymouth territory.

However, momentum was to switch dramatically as the visitors scored 3 tries in a little over six minutes to edge in front.

Sale 26 Plymouth 27

In danger of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, the boys re-grouped and scored a try of the highest quality, John O’Donnell crossing in the corner after great work from Tom Brady, Fergus Mulchrone and Seb Cecil amongst others.

Sale 31 Plymouth 27

With the game still in the balance, the dogs defence did superbly to survive more pressure from the visitors before a piece of individual brilliance from scrum half, Callum Morris, put matters beyond doubt as he sniped round the side of a ruck to blast in; James Robins adding the extras.

A great game of rugby with both sides going at it hammer and tongs and the dogs emerging with a well-deserved bonus point win.

FT Sale 38 Plymouth 27

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