Hughes double sparks visitors’ fightback

THERE was to be no lastminute winning score for DMP as visitors Sale FC turned a 22-7 half-time deficit around to dominate the second half, scoring the converted try for the win with four minutes remaining on the clock.

It looked like business as usual at The Northern Echo Arena as the home side enjoyed the lion’s share of possession, scoring three tries to Sale FC’s one contribution from exInternational Tongan player, John Leota.

A sniping dive from DMP scrum-half Matt Dudman netted the first try, then came Leota’s bullocking run and conversion by the faultless Sale fly-half Christopher Johnson.

Home winger Brandon Asher-Wood produced the try of the game when picking a fantastic line across the visitors’ defence and then outstripping the fullback for the score.

Veteran home lock Talite Vaioleti added DMP’s third on the stroke of half-time, with Warren Seals converting for a healthy lead.

DMP’s bonus-point try came courtesy of Joe Craggs but then the fightback began with two tries from Sale skipper and No.8 Andrew Hughes, all converted by the graceful Johnson.

Sale dominated from therein, scoring their bonus-point try through replacement Nic Dolly, with Johnson capping a fine performance with the winning conversion - DMP unable to recover from the onslaught.