Sale FC vs Blackheath

Recap

Sale overcome elements to down Blackheath

It was 5th versus 4th at the Morson Stadium on Saturday afternoon with just a couple of points separating the two teams towards the summit of National One.

Continuous rain before the game made for a heavy pitch but the match started in dry conditions and Blackheath made the better start, opening the scoring with a try through skipper, Will Harding, in the 9th minute; Fly half, Matthew Dalrymple, added the conversion. 0-7

Back came the hosts as they won a lineout 8m out and mauled to the line for Evan Mintern to crash over before persistent pressure saw Corbin Thunder bully his way over; Joe Green added the extras on the latter. 12-7

With heavy rain returning, both sides utilised their kicking game to good effect but, despite a yellow card for Blackheath’s Noah Sloot, the Dogs could not add to their score. HT 12-7

The weather continued to be a challenge to running rugby but Sale extended their lead in the 51st minute when a clever grubber kick from James Robins saw full back, Mark Dixon, win the race to touch down; Green as again on target. 19-7

The teams traded converted scores either side of the 70 minute mark with replacement, Tom Johnson, blasting over for the visitors before Dan Birchall was helped over the whitewash by several colleagues. 26-14

With time ebbing away, Mintern was shown yellow for Sale and Club took advantage with a try through Charlie Briers, again converted by Dalrymple. However, Sale survived the final throw of the dice from the away side to take the bonus point win in a great game that defied the conditions. FT 26-21