Sale pack set platform for victory

Sale headed into home the game against Rosslyn Park on the back of another loss on the road, knowing that victory was vital in their efforts to move away from the foot of the table.

The early stages saw both sides testing each other out, but it was the blue and whites who took the lead in the 8th minute when Connor Doherty intercepted a pass on halfway and strode away to score under the posts; Tom Curtis added the extras. 7-0

The visitors responded almost immediately with wing, Charles Walker, outpacing the defence to score in the corner; Josh Bragman kicked the conversion. 7-7

Curtis put the Dogs back in front with a penalty after a fine break from Fergus Mulchrone and, shortly after, the impressive Doherty repeated his first try, stripping the ball on halfway and blasting in; Curtis again on target. 17-7

Park threw everything at the hosts towards the end of the half but a superb defensive stint was interrupted by an intercept from Stone Priestley-Nangle, who galloped almost the length of the pitch before offloading to Matt Bradley for an easy score; Curtis made no mistake from directly in front of the posts. HT 24-7

Sale FC started the second half in the ascendency and extended the lead in the 45th minute when Jake Barron barrelled over for the bonus point try after several phases near the whitewash; Curtis made it 5 kicks from 5. 31-7

The Dogs continued to dominate proceedings, helped by a yellow card for Park’s captain, Arthur Ellis, and Sean Street dived on a loose ball behind the whitewash to score the fifth try; Curtis made it a perfect afternoon from the tee. 38-7

Park pierced the Sale defence in the 78th minute through Josh Bragman but there was still time for Street to cap a fine team performance, as he danced in for his second try with Matt Bradley on target with the kick. FT 45-7

A superb performance from the Dogs to earn their second consecutive home win and give them confidence as they approach a crucial few weeks before the festive period.