Sale hit top form to put Tynedale to the sword

SALE had to fight tooth and nail to retain their National Two North status a year ago but they look a team transformed this season after making it three from three with a convincing win over Tynedale.

And director of rugby Jonathan Keep was understandably delighted with the effort of his team as they put Tynedale to the sword in emphatic fashion, even if they did concede a try for the first time this season.

“I was really thrilled with the performance of the whole side,” said Keep.

“We ran the the ball well and I thought our kicking game was excellent.

“At the moment we are where we want to be and I know that there is much more to come from this side.

“The only disappointment I have is that we have conceded our first try of the season.”

The north east side came into the game on the back of a narrow victory at Harrogate, but they were no match on the day for Sale.

They came up against a Sale side on top form who ran in six tries in a blistering performance to maintain their place at the top of the table.

Tynedale actually opened the scoring with a penalty from Dan Taylor but from a lineout and some neat handling Sale created an overlap for Chris Mayor to scoot in for the opening try, Liam McGovern adding the conversion.

A pick-up by Adam Aigbokhae opened the way for Jack Moorhouse to cross for the second, again converted by McGovern.

It was Moorhouse who brought up the third, this time chasing a kick through after Tynedale had coughed up the ball in midfield.

Tynedale kicked another penalty through Taylor before a drop goal from Chris Johnson closed the half with Sale cruising as they turned around 24-6 in front.

In the second half a catch and drive got Jack Barker over for the bonus score, with McGovern again successful with the conversion.

Tynedale, who battled hard throughout, got a deserved try through Oliver Walker which was converted by Taylor.

But the Sale machine kept on rolling, a kick ahead by Matt Postlethwaite setting up the opportunity for Dan Birchall to rack up the fifth.

And it was then replacement Postlethwaite’s turn to get in on the scoring act as he was in support for a deft kick through by Johnson for the sixth try nine minutes from time.

McGovern converted to complete a fine outing.

Tynedale assistant coach Matt Fieldhouse had no complaints but praised his side’s grit in trying circumstances.

He explained: “Heywood Road is always a difficult place to come but although we saw little of the ball I thought there were times when we looked as through we could have done something.

“Unfortunately we have hit a side in top form but we will take the positives out of it and get ourselves ready for next week.”