Sale defy league position to defeat high-flying Albion

Sale and Plymouth entered the game at Heywood Road in contrasting form with “The Dogs” having won their last two and Albion on the back of two straight defeats.

The hosts made the perfect start with only a minute on the clock when a kick through went loose behind the whitewash, allowing Mark Dixon to pick up and score the easiest of tries; Tom Curtis converted. 7-0

The visitors were soon on the scoreboard though with a 40m penalty from full back, Tom Putt, and began to dominate both possession and territory. 7-3

Only good fortune and fine defensive work prevented Albion from adding to their initial score and it was somewhat against the run of play that Sale extended their advantage as Nathan Langdon sneaked down the blindside to dive over; Curtis added the extras. HT 14-3

The blue and whites began the second half brightly and, after a barrage of phases near the try line, the ball was flung wide for Tom Walsh to cross in the corner; Curtis landed a fine conversion. 21-3

That score only served to spur the hosts on further and the bonus point try arrived in the 59th minute when the forwards proved unstoppable from 5m, Josh Brown the beneficiary; Curtis made it 4 from 4. 28-3

A penalty from the boot of Curtis extended the lead further and, despite a late yellow card for Andy Hughes and a couple of opportunities, Albion were unable to reduce the arrears. FT 31-3

Another important win for “The Dogs” to lift them further away from the bottom of the table and give them real belief for the last third of the season.