Sharks get their kicks
SALE KEEP GRIP ON TOP FOUR SPOT
ROB du Preez proved to be the difference in torrid conditions as Sale Sharks strengthened their place in the Premiership top four with a 23-17 victory over Gloucester at Kingsholm.
The South African’s kicking was vital in Sale prevailing in a crazy second-half as Luke James, Bryn Evans and Marland Yarde scored tries to make it four wins from five for the Sharks.
The opening exchanges were spoiled by both sides adjusting to the muddy conditions as the ball spent more time in the air than the field.
However, it was Gloucester who made the most of the blusterous weather as they looked to break the impasse on nine minutes.
Wing Ollie Thorley scrambled the ball into Tom Marshall’s path and he touched down with ease before TMO ruled the try out for a knock on.
Struggling to adapt, Gloucester pinned Sale inside their own half before Du Preez’s post-smacking penalty sparked them into life.
Steve Diamond’s side began to dominate proceedings and their efforts were rewarded after Du Preez converted a penalty at the second time of asking on the halfhour mark.
Roles were immediately reversed as Gloucester hit the woodwork from a Billy Twelvetrees penalty kick from 50 metres.
Luke James scored the first try of the evening after he benefited from Ruan Ackermann’s drop, sprinting to the loose ball and dotting down to help move them 10-0 up.
Sale started the second half similarly to how they finished the first as Bryn Evans powered over to score the second try of the night to make it 15-0.
Gloucester replied instantly when Twelvetrees kicked the ball through the posts in the 58th minute to cut the deficit down to 12.
WillGriff John then handed Gloucester a lifeline when he was yellow carded and the hosts scored a try through Fraser Balmain’s sheer determination.
Twelvetrees added another two points by scoring the conversion but Marland Yarde’s magic halted the Cherry and Whites’ momentum.
The winger proved last week’s hat-trick against Leicester Tigers was not a fluke when he produced a 180-turn and a quick change of pace to touch down Sale’s third try to make it 20-10.
However, what’s magic without madness? Gloucester again struck back as Twelvetrees snuck in to dot down after the ball flew forwards of Mark Atkinson’s head.
Referee Wayne Barnes seemed to rule it out twice for a knock-on and offside before overturning his decision.
The Cherry and White centre then separated the posts to close the score line before Du Preez put away another penalty in the 73rd minute to leave the score 17-23.
Johan Ackermann’s men piled on the pressure in the final few minutes but Sale’s defence remained stern to see out victory.