Sale FC vs Leicester Lions

Sale headed back to the Morson Stadium looking to bounce back after defeat at Bishop’s Stortford a fortnight ago. Leicester Lions meanwhile were looking for a morale boosting win against a side they had beaten in 4 of their last 5 match ups.

The game started in bright sunshine and the Dogs were ahead after only 40 seconds as centre, James Robins intercepted a pass on his own 22 before sprinting the length of the field to score; Joe Green’s trusty boot added the conversion. 7-0

The hosts extended the lead a few minutes later when they went through phase after phase near the whitewash before moving the ball wide for full-back, Mark Dixon, to run in; Green bisected the posts from the tee. 14-0

Leicester got themselves a foothold in the game in the 17^th minute. A break in midfield took them close and a few plays later they were over through centre, Theo Mannion. 14-5

Three minutes later, vibrant attacking play saw the Dogs extend their advantage again. Outside centre, Harry Davey, was hauled down close to the try line but Green was on hand to pick up the ball and sneak down the blindside before adding the extras. 21-5

The bonus point was secured just two minutes later as, following a Tom Walsh surge down the touchline, the supporting Corbin Thunder collected and strolled over; Green made it 4 kicks from 4. 28-5

Back came the Lions and only a superb tackle from Sale winger John O’Donnell denied them a try. However, a minute later they did cross the try line through fly-half, Luke Bouchier, who then converted. HT 28-12

Sale started the second half in similar fashion to the first. A brilliant weaving run from Davey took them deep into opposition territory and when the ball was recycled, the unselfish Dixon popped a basketball pass for Thunder to score his second. 33-12

Leicester bounced back again in the 51^st minute. Bronson Mellowes intercepted a pass in midfield and kicked forwards for Mannion to win the race and score; Bouchier made no mistake with the kick. 33-19

The game was still firmly in the balance when the two sides exchanged scores around the 70-minute mark. Firstly, Thunder completed his hat-trick after a clever lineout routine before winger, Jake Metcalfe, scored for the visitors in the corner. 38-24

However, two late tries saw the Dogs move away from the plucky away side to seal the win. Replacement, Owen Boxall, dived over after a strong catch and drive before Tom Walsh crashed over following a quick tap penalty. Robins was on target on both occasions. FT 52-24

After the game, Sale’s Director of Rugby, Jonathan Keep, reflected on a workmanlike performance from his side. “Leicester have been a bit of a bogey side for us over the last 3 seasons so it was nice to get the job done. We move on to a difficult trip to Rosslyn Park next week’.