Sale FC vs Rams

Feb 1, 2025
25 - 22
Full Time

Recap

Groundhog day as Dogs defeat Rams

Having defeated the previous league leaders, Richmond, the week before, Sale FC welcomed the new table toppers, Rams, to Heywood Road looking to earn another feather in their cap.

The opening exchanges were cagey with both sides testing each other out with their kicking games and neither side gaining much momentum.

However, 10 minutes in, James Robins produced a clever kick over the top of the Rams defence for winger, Tom Walsh, and when he was hauled down a couple of metres short of the line, the ball was recycled for scrum half, Joe Green, to dive over; Robins added the extras. 7-0

The visitors were enjoying plenty of possession but a couple of overthrown lineouts relieved pressure on the Dogs and they took full advantage in the 25th minute with a try through last week’s hat-trick hero, Alfie Longstaff; Robins kicking a fine conversion. 14-0

Matters went from bad to worse for the Rams two minutes later when another chip over the top from Green bounced awkwardly for the covering defender, and Walsh pounced to run in unopposed. 19-0

In the 32nd minute, the Berkshire men had a foothold in the game utilising superior numbers out wide to release full back, Andrew Lamb, to score. 19-5

The break was fast approaching and as the Rams banged on the door, Sale lost both Andy Hughes and Evan Mintern to yellow cards, but the defence held firm, much to the delight of the home crowd. HT 19-5

The second half began with the visitors dominant in both possession and territory against the 13-men of Sale and, despite their considerable efforts, the Dogs could not prevent Rams scoring two unconverted tries through Morgan Macrae and Oliver Cole. 19-15

With parity in player numbers restored, it was Rams who scored next as replacement, Solo Radianirova, intercepted a pass just outside the hosts 22 and strode away to score in the corner; Fraser Honey adding to the lead. 19-22

The game was very much in the balance but Robins levelled the scores in the 66th minute with a penalty from 25m out, and then added an even better kick from 30m after the Sale forwards won a scrum penalty against the head. 25–22

Try as they might, the Rams could not find another score, leaving with two bonus points as Sale took another big win. FT 25-22

Another fine performance from the boys, who emptied the tanks to move up to 8th in the table.

Summary

TeamTriesConDGPenBPPointsOutcome
Sale FC320225Win
Rams4100222Loss

Programme

Date Time League Season Full Time
1st February 2025 14:30 National One 2024-2025 80'

Venue

Sale FC
Heywood Road, Brooklands, Sale, Trafford, Greater Manchester, North West England, England, M33 3WB, United Kingdom