Sale FC 1861 make it 3 wins from 3
Sale FC 1861 ran out at Carrington for the first time this season to take on Kenilworth in Women’s Championship North 1.
On a warm and sunny afternoon, the visitors started with plenty of territory, but the blue and whites took the lead in the 18th minute when captain, Kirsty Reid, ghosted through a gap in midfield and strode away to score. 5-0
Kenilworth responded ten minutes later, going through phase after phase before they forced their way over the try line and added the conversion. 5-7
1861 went back in front in the 33rd minute when India Perris-Redding made a half-break and offloaded perfectly for Zena Francis to power in; Becky Church added a fine conversion. HT 12-7
Sale started the second half in fine fashion with Kirsty Reid carrying well into opposition territory before the ball was recycled for Niamh Hughes to break through and score; Grace White kicked the extras. 19-7
The lead was extended further in the 57th minute, Charlie Blakeborough emerging from the back of the maul to score the bonus point try. 24-7
Kenilworth then had their best spell of the game, a period in which 1861 lost Zena Francis to a yellow card, but Sale’s defence continued to be formidable.
1861 put the game match out of reach in the 76th minute as Gabi Ashby blasted away from the defence to score under the posts; Kim Seddon added the extras on this occasion. 31-7
There was still time for India Perris-Redding to put the icing on the cake, scampering down the right wing and crossing the whitewash. FT 36-7
Another fine win with the defence superb again and some vibrant attacking play.