Two points turns to one as Sale suffer late defeat
Sale headed to Hertfordshire for their final away game of the 2023/24 season to take on relegation-threatened Bishops Stortford.
Playing in their change strip of all black, Sale started the game well and were soon in front when Cal Ford made a half-break before offloading perfectly for fellow prop, Ben Carlile, to cross the whitewash; James Robins made no mistake from the tee. 0-7
With the ref allowing play to flow, both sides looked to attack with the ball in hand and Sale extended their lead in the 32nd minute when Dan Leake made valuable yards to set up full debutant, Will Hitchen, for his first ever 1st XV try. HT 0-12
Having lost Nick Gray to a yellow card just before the break, the hosts made the most of their numerical advantage early in the second half as they levelled the scores with tries from Alex Rayment and James Ayrton. 12-12
Undaunted, the Dogs came again and re-took the lead in the 60th minute when, following a tap penalty, Will Riley crashed over the line; James Robins was on target again.12-19
Back came the home side to level matters just a few minutes later with a strong driving maul, the try converted by Tom Walker. 19-19
Both sides have opportunities and field positions to win the game but, with time in the red, the hosts were awarded a penalty 25m out and Tom Walker was adjudged to have kicked it {some doubt, even from home supporters!). FT 22-19
A much better performance from the Dogs but only a solitary point to show for it. All eyes now turn to the final game of the season on the 27th April when we take on Leicester Lions.