CHESHIRE CUP EXIT

Despite having some 70 % of possession, dominating territory and scoring 3 tries to 2 by Sale and playing against 14 men for 20 minutes of the second half, Stockport fell 2 points short of the home side due to a high penalty count and 4 of which were converted by Sale. However it was once again encouraging with some great driving by the pack, good continuity and support play and some good defence against a speedy Sale back line. Work is still needed on the lineout and the penalty count must be reduced but it was a great comeback from a 24-8 deficit confirming the determination of this team.
There was an early try for Sale as the scrum half was allowed to run clear and set up his flanker for a converted try. Stockport replied positively and scored a penalty. A great 30 metre drive by the Stockport forwards looked to have set up a try but the final pass was forward. Sale made two visits to the Stockport half and both times Steve Pearson made try saving tackles when Sale looked to have got clear. On both occasions the defence conceded penalties and Sale went ahead by 13-3. A period of sustained pressure by Stockport just before half time resulted in a drive from a lineout and when the ball came back to Jamie Anthony he put in a good kick, Myles Hall followed up and his work allowed Anthony to score as the ball went over the line. It was 13-8 to sale at half time.
Sale lost a player to the sin bin as he took out Mike Waddington as he caught the kick off for the second half. But it was Sale who scored as Stockport failed to secure the ball after an exchange of high kicks and the Sale full back followed up to score an easy try to make it 18-8. Sale kept up the pressure and secured another penalty. The Sale hooker was then carded for an offence at a ruck and Stockport looked to have taken advantage but a scoring pass was knocked on. Some crunching tackles stopped the Sale backs making progress but Sale added another penalty to go 24-8 clear. Chris Ruddy charged down a Sale clearance and replacement flanker Ali Green was on hand to hack on and win the race to touch down, Longmore converted and Stockport were back in it. More promising running and support by Stockport resulted in a penalty and a scrum was opted for, the drive was good and Dan Eccles was held up just short of the line, the ball was recycled and moved left for Hall to score, Longmore added the conversion but there was no more time and Sale had the victory at 24-22.