What a year for Sale Sharks 2008 has been! To say the least it was a year of ups and downs. Positives from this year are that we beat Clermont Auvergne in the Heineken Cup away! Not many teams beat French teams at their home ground especially Clermont so to beat them and with a bonus point was special. I was watching the game at Heywood Road and I was in shock! I couldn’t believe it but I was proud of the lads. Next highlight was beating Leicester home and away for the first ever time. If we want to become the champions again this is what we have to do every year! Also the progression of players such as Neil Briggs, Sean Cox etc. into the first team was a positive thing to see plus the progression of young talents such as Wigglesworth and a certain Foden was a delight. Both of these players will become huge players in the future for club and country wherever they play (FODEN!)  Now a look at the negative points of 2008. Not qualifying for the playoffs of the last day of this season when it was in our own hands. This was hugely disappointing as an objective at the beginning of the season was to win a trophy of sorts and go in the playoffs. Neither of these happened. More negatives were losing to Worcester at home both times we’ve played them at home. Again hugely disappointing but this proved to be the turning point of the season really. From that match I’ve seen Sale play good running attractive rugby which is a huge plus point. Too many times in 2008 we had relied heavily on penalties; drop goals etc. whereas now we do look to them however tries are also important which is a good sign towards 2009.

2009 what does it hold? Well we count on PSA and Seabass leaving. Who knows who else will go! We have a new DOR in Kingsley who I’m looking forward too. He should bring a fresh look to the squad which I’m looking forward to. However we do have to focus on this season and not let anything get in the way. Can we win the league? Why not? After the last couple of performances I honestly believe we can win the Premiership and perhaps we can scare Munster to at Thermond Park. Here is to 2009!

Stats and Figures - Can I Just say these are worked out by me so if I got any wrong please say and I apologise in advance

Played = 34 Won= 19 Drawn=1 Lost 14
Points Scored= 726 Points Conceded= 553

Leading Points Scorer=

Charlie = 225, Luke= 132, Chris Bell = 45, Cueto= 35, Juan=30, Chabal= 20, Foden= 20, Mayor= 15, Ripol=15, Cliff = 10, IF Lobbe= 10, Jones=10 Doherty=10, Keil=10. 12 other players on 5

Average Attendance at home in 2008= 8733

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