Sharks sunk by Sabres

THE St Helens Sabres produced their first win of the season against top of the table Sefton Sharks in a thrilling 26-25 encounter.

After a promising win in the pre-season tournament, the Sabres were definitely being labelled as the ‘wildcard’ of the league.

They certainly proved it early on with several home-runs by David Grice (2), Richard Jameson and Jack Scholes, that gave them enough of an advantage to secure the one-run victory.

With the Sharks looking firm favourites before the match, the Sabres came out of the blocks looking to be

labelled spoilers, as they recorded seven runs in the opening inning. However, a reply of six from the opposition kept Sefton in contention.

With the Sharks unable to reply with runs of their own, the Sabres ran out to an early eight run lead.

With the third inning belonging to both sides’ fielding, inning number four saw the Sharks make their move.

A combination of big hitting from the Sharks batting and Sabres pitcher Brendan McGabhaan losing his way, it saw Sefton take an 18-16 lead.

Despite that little set-back, the Sabres remained confident as they found six more runs without reply in the fifth inning to help regain their much deserved lead.

The final inning almost saw the comeback become fulfilled. But some solid Sabres fielding was enough to claim the victory with one round of batting to spare.

It was an evening full of firsts, as the Formby Fins dominated the Southport Seagulls 26-9 to collect their first win of 2016 after a tough opening day defeat to the Sharks.

A well-timed bye week was enough of a break to rejuvenate this talented side and keep them in this unpredictable title race.

With every team winning and losing at least one match already, next week’s Bank Holiday encounters have

become ever more important.