Bishop’s Stortford vs Sale FC

Recap

Late try condemns Sale to defeat

Sale travelled to Hertfordshire to take on Bishop’s Stortford looking to stay in the race for the top 3 in National One.

The hosts started the game quickly and were soon in front, taking advantage of a 50/22 to score out wide through David Hayes after a clever kick from fly half, Jai Johal; Chris Bolton converted via the post. 7-0

Matters got worse for the Dogs in the 12th minute when Johal collected his own chip over the top to score and Bolton added the extras again. 14-0

Two minutes later, Sale had a foothold in the game as Andy Hughes was on hand to pick up and dive over after Ciaran Parker was stopped just short; Joe Green was on target from the tee. 14-7

Stortford were reduced to 14 five minutes before the break when Alex Gilham was shown yellow for playing the ball whilst off his feet. The Dogs took full advantage as they secured the resulting lineout for Nathan Langdon to crash over; Green made no mistake with the conversion. HT 14-14

Just as in the first half, Sale conceded early after the break as the ball went lose in midfield and the hosts reacted quicker to score out wide through Tom Hitchcock. 19-14

The Dogs’ cause was not helped by a yellow for Corbin Thunder but they defended well and then scored as soon as he returned to the field. Phase after phase near the home side’s try line eventually saw Andy Hughes over for his second of the game and James Robins’ kick secured the lead for the first time. 19-21

It wasn’t to be for Sale though as considerable late pressure from the hosts saw them score under the posts to secure the win and send the Dogs back home with only a solitary bonus point to show for their efforts. FT 26-21