Bishop’s Stortford vs Sale FC

Recap

Sale blown off course by Bishop’s

Sale FC travelled to a wet and windy Silver Leys to take on Bishop’s Stortford with just a point separating the two sides in the middle of the National One table.

The game started with the wind swirling around the well manicured playing surface and it quickly became apparent that the conditions would have a major influence on the game.

The hosts started well but strong defence from the Dogs prevented any major concerns and, when Mark Dixon made a superb break from halfway, the returning Obi Ene was unlucky not to get on the end of his deft kick through.

With rain going sideways and high balls going in all sorts of directions, it was proving difficult for either team to gain momentum. However, Sale took the lead in the 22nd minute when a 5m lineout was won and recycled for Jos Gilmore to scythe through a gap to score under the posts; Debutant fly half, Ollie Davies, made no mistake from the tee. 0-7

The lead lasted until the 36th minute when the home side took advantage of a period of pressure to score through Alex Gilham and the following conversion levelled the scores. HT 7-7

Storm Darragh was in full force by the time the second 40 started but the Dogs were weathering it well and dominating territory.

Stortford survived that period though and, when they did make it into the opposing half, they made the Dogs pay with a 60th minute try from winger, Josh Stannard, and the extras were added. 14-7

The remaining 20 minutes saw Sale with lots of pressure but, try as they might (including an inventive tap and go from 5 metres), they could not find a way through the hosts defence and the Hertfordshire men hung on to take the win. FT 14-7

A fine effort form both sets of players in truly horrible conditions and a consolation bonus point for the Dogs to take back North.