Sale back to winning ways
Remembrance Day saw the league leaders head to Heywood Road to take on a Sale side propping up the league table.
The first quarter of an hour saw both teams testing each others defence with several scrums apiece, but the Dogs took the lead in the 16th minute when Tom Curtis nudged a penalty kick through the posts from 30m. 3-0
Rams opened their account seven minutes later as they won a 5m lineout and mauled to the line for Max Hayman to crash over; Fraser Honey added the extras. 3-7
The remainder of the half saw Sale with plenty of possession and territory but the swarming Rams defence held firm until the clock was in the red. The hosts went through phase after phase near the whitewash before Cal Ford surged over for the try. HT 8-7
In the 47th minute, Rams second row, Dan Swain, was shown a straight red card for a high tackle and Sale took immediate advantage with a try from skipper, Andy Hughes; Curtis converted. 15-7
Undaunted by going down to 14, the visitors hit back with a repeat of their opening score, Hayman grabbing his second try of the game and Honey kicking the two. 15-14
Rams regained the lead in the 65th minute with a 40m penalty from Honey but the Dogs were back in front four minutes later, Josh Brown the beneficiary of a strong catch and drive; Curtis on target again with the kick 22-17
Sale put the game to bed in the 78th minute with a superb try from Connor Doherty, the ball having passed through several hands at speed; Curtis made no mistake from the tee. FT 29-17
A brilliant game of rugby and a return to form for the Dogs to earn a bonus point win against the high flyers from Berkshire.