Recap

Leeds Tykes 15 Sale FC 20

Sale ventured over the Pennines to take on Leeds Tykes on a bitterly cold afternoon at Headingley Stadium.

The Yorkshiremen started the better and were soon in front with a penalty from Tighe Maxwell-Whiteley. 3-0

The hosts extended their lead shortly afterwards as Kieran Davies burst through a gap in midfield and offloaded to Harry Jukes who kicked forward and collected to score; Maxwell-Whiteley converted. 10-0

Sale bounced back in the 17th minute, winning an attacking 10m lineout and mauling to the line for Josh Brown to crash over, Kieran Wilkinson adding the extras. 10-7

The Tykes were belying their lowly league position though and scored their second try through Seremaia Bai Turagabeci who collected a long floated pass and evaded a tackle to dot down. 15-7

The remainder of the half saw the home side with plenty of territory and possession and only a mammoth defensive effort from the dogs prevented a further deficit. HT 15-7

Whatever was in their tea at the break, the dogs started the second 40 looking much more like themselves and reduced the arrears after 47 minutes when James Harper crashed over after Nev Edwards was stopped just short. 15-12

After surviving 10 minutes with 14 players, Alex Groves shown a yellow card for an offence at the lineout, Sale levelled the scores with a 25m penalty from James Robins. 15-15

With the game into its final 10 minutes, the dogs won a crucial penalty at a scrum and kicked to the corner. With the lineout safely secured, the forwards attacked the try line, Jake Barron eventually barrelling over. 15-20

Both sides had opportunities in the last few minutes but the dogs held on to secure another crucial away win that sees them sit top of the table at Christmas. FT 15-20