Sharks top pool after three wins in three
ODOGWU AND ASHTON GRAB TRIES AS SALE CAPITALISE ON ADVANTAGE
PEDRO Odogwu and Chris Ashton both grabbed two tries as Sale Sharks powered past Union Bordeaux Begles Rugby 50-24 in the Challenge Cup.
Second-half scores from Will Cliff, Ben Curry and Denny Solomona as well as a penalty try meant Steve Diamond’s side made it three wins from three in the European competition.
Cliff also added eight points with the boot, as Sale took advantage of their opponents playing with 14 men for just over 40 minutes, as Cyril Cazeaux was sent off just before the break for foul play.
The result means Sharks have three bonus-points after their victories in the competition leaving them seven points clear of their nearest rivals, Connacht, in Pool 3.
Another victory when Sale and Bordeaux lock horns again at the AJ Bell Stadium on Saturday would mean the Premiership Rugby side secure qualification to the knockout stage, before their final two group matches against the Irish side and Perpignan in January.
Darly Domvo had given the hosts the perfect start to the match at the Stade Chaban Delmas, as he dashed in from 60m out to put them ahead with after intercepting a Cliff pass.
Sharks replied just minutes later when Curtis Langdon and skipper Josh Strauss combined to release Odogwu. The hosts increased their lead to 10-5 thanks to a Lucas Meret penalty before Sale went ahead for the first time when Ashton scythed through the defence to score.
Diamond’s side had their third just before half time as Ashton was released on the left wing to add his second.
Cazeaux was red carded for foul play just before half time and Sale took advantage as Curry went over to add the bonus-point before half time.
The visitors continued to run of the score after the break as they were awarded a penalty try.
Bryn Evans interception saw the ball moved downfield with Solomona almost going over, before the referee, with help from the TMO, gave a penalty try after foul play by home hooker Maxime Lamothe.
Cliff added another try a few minutes later as he dived in under the sticks after a 70m run by Ashton before Solomona added the seventh try. The Sale victory was marred with 12 minutes to go as second-rower Andrei Ostrikov was shown a red card for striking an opponent in the head. It set up a frantic last 10 minutes where Afa Amosa ran in to score for the hosts before Odogwu grabbed his second, with Solomona and Cliff both seeing yellow in the last few minutes for deliberate knock-ons. Gaëtan Dominici took advantage with a consolation as the visitors.
Sharks are seven points clear of their nearest rivals, Connacht, in Pool 3
Connor McLoughlin