Maestro Wilkinson gets Sale playing in tune

Sale FC ............ 31 Cinderford ...... 17

KIERAN Wilkinson ensured Sale FC fans had a happy New Year as he orchestrated an impressive home triumph over Cinderford to leapfrog their opponents on the day.

The fly-half opened the scoring after just two minutes, collecting from speedster Paolo Odogwu to cross close to the posts, before adding the crucial extras.

He then extended the hosts’ lead with a penalty but George Porter's try, converted by Cinderford skipper Danny Pointon, brought the visitors back within touching distance after 16 minutes, with the score at 10-5.

However, two minutes later Sale scored their second try with Odogwu again the architect, this time slipping in Connor Doherty to slide over the whitewash for a wonderful score.

Sale then scored a third try before the break after Jonty Rawcliffe profited from a charged down kick this time Wilkinson slotted the extras to give Sale a 22-7 lead at the break.

Wilkinson pushed the hosts further in front after the restart with a pair of three-pointers before Cinderford got a second try through Nathan Taylor, 28-12.

Another Wilkinson penalty followed, taking the fly-half ’s personal total for the day to 17 points.

Winger Sam Smith then grabbed a late consolation try for the visitors but the writing was already on the wall as Sale move up to tenth position.