TOM’S CRUISE
Roebuck’s hat-trick ends long wait for a Sharks win
TOM ROEBUCK scored a deadly hat-trick as Sale spectacularly ended a horror run of six straight defeats to keep their play-off hopes alive.
The prolific 23-year-old winger opened the scoring before further tries from hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie and scrumhalf Gus Warr saw Alex Sanderson’s men storm into a 22-0 half-time lead.
Roebuck then added his second and – after Raffi Quirke grabbed Sale’s fifth – he completed his treble before the hour mark.
It was the Sharks’ first win since December and Roebuck, who also spurned a golden second-half chance, said: “I was buzzing to score three but I could have had four.We need to play well and turn up in every game if we are to make the play-offs, because we want to get back to the final we enjoyed so much last year.”
Exeter head coach Rob Baxter, right, said: “The reality is that we were off in too many areas.
“I’ve said to the players, ‘Let’s make sure we learn our lesson and are better on the back of this stuffing’.”
Sale led early when superb handling close to Exeter’s line culminated in Roebuck bursting through a gap. They scored again in the 27th minute when Cowan-Dickie dived over from close range.
After Exeter had full-back Josh Hodge sin-binned for knocking on a pass by Rob du Preez, Sale grabbed their third try on the stroke of half-time. Exeter were ripped apart on the right flank as Bevan Rodd’s neat pass sent Warr scampering over the line. Roebuck also raced down the right wing for his second before Quirke dived over. The elusive Roebuck then went through a gap inside the left channel for his third and Sale’s sixth try.
He spent time in the England camp during the recent Six Nations but did not pick up a first cap.
Roebuck added: “I’d say it’s made me better by a mile because you’re working with the best players and coaches in the country.
“It was a bit disappointing that I didn’t get to play a game but that’s not in my control.
“I need to play as well as I can and wait for the opportunities to come.”
Sale head coach Sanderson said: “England were very clear about the areas where Tom needed to improve.
“But he was buoyed and motivated to come back and make those improvements. He showed that today.”
Roebuck 3, Cowan-Dickie, Warr, Quirke. Ford 4. Penalty: Ford.
Try: Feyi-Waboso.