They have continued to attract good crowds despite competition in that region from the round ball game and the “other” code, switching from their home at Heywood Road to Edgeley Park, Stockport, in 2003.

In recent years, Sale have rewarded their loyal fans with numerous successes, not least the emphatic 45-20 defeat they inflicted on the Tigers in the 2006 Premiership play-off final.  This notable achievement came after two European Challenge Cup wins, in 2002 and 2005 and even the most one-eyed of Tigers supporters could not deny it was deserved, as Sale also had the commendable distinction of topping the table at the end of that season.  In these days of professionalism, those of us old enough to recall the annual Christmas fixture against the Barbarians will have been heartened to see Welford Road packed to the rafters at this time of the year.  It does not seem that long ago that such greats of the game as Serge Blanco, Philippe Sella, Jonathan Davies et al were gracing our hallowed turf.

But enough of Christmas past and on to Christmas present; a capacity crowd, full hip flask, festive cheer in the air and an eagerly anticipated match to savour.  Both teams boast a sizeable complement of modern day stars but with a combination of injuries and squad selection, neither club was fielding its strongest 15.  However, even with the likes of Jason Robinson and the mighty “Seabass” no longer taking the field, the Sharks always present a formidable challenge. 

Going into the game, Sale lay ninth in the league and Tigers fourth, with the dark shadow of Wasps uncomfortably close behind them.  The Tigers defence would need to be Scrooge-like to secure a favourable result.  Hopefully, Mr Doyle would be in a charitable mood towards the Yuletide hosts.  Tigers were almost gifted a try in the first five minutes, when Danny Hipkiss narrowly failed to hold on to an intercept chance, the high ball just slipping from his grasp when he would have been clear.   

Tigers did take the lead with a Flood penalty before good work from the back row, notably Captain Moody and Jordan Crane, created room for Johne Murphy to cross for the first try of the afternoon.  The Irishman, making his first start in a while, was able to run around towards the posts to make the conversion less difficult.  Unfortunately, Flood was unable to capitalise, as his kick came off an upright.  Charlie Hodgson got Sale on the scoreboard with a penalty, having missed an earlier attempt, but Flood restored the eight point advantage with another three pointer just before half time.    

There was a brief moment of alarm among the massed ranks of home fans when Sale broke down the Crumbie stand side and it seemed a blatant knock on had been missed.  The officials however, were paying attention and although Ben Cohen crossed the line, play was brought back.  

As the half time whistle went with the Tigers leading 11-3, the rain started to come down heavily and there seemed little prospect of an open, expansive second half.  Despite the conditions, the kicking game was not over-used and a little over five minutes after the restart, Ben Kay forced his way over the line after good ground had been gained by Crane. 

Flood converted and the lead was now fifteen points.  After a period of pressure in Leicester’s 22 and a couple of line out options had come to nothing, Hodgson pulled another penalty back for the visitors.    

To their credit Sale stuck to their task throughout and had several phases of play on the Tigers’ line.  The defence though, was solid all game, with hardly a tackle missed and the tide of the match turned inexorably when Lewis Moody was driven over in a rolling maul, a move virtually synonymous with a Tigers pack.  

The bonus point was now a distinct possibility and when Oriol Ripol threw an ill advised quick throw in to his centre, the defender was caught behind his own line, conceding a five metre scrum.  Tigers were awarded a penalty from the ensuing play, Harry Ellis took a quick tap and was held just short of the line.  When it seemed the chance had gone, a further Sale infringement gave Tigers the opportunity of a scrum. 

A series of indiscretions and a yellow card for Sale’s O’Donnell had the home crowd baying for a penalty try.  With the last play of the game Jordan Crane picked up and drove over the line for the fourth try of the match and the extra league point.  After a short pause, Mr Doyle gave the try.  Flood converted to make the final score 32-6 to Tigers.

Overall, the match wasn’t really a festive cracker but Tigers showed some intent to play a running game.  One of the high points of the match was the return of three Tigers from long-term injury, Sam Vesty, Harry Ellis and Ben Woods, all of whom were introduced in the second half.  Ben Woods’s comeback was probably one of the shortest in history as he was promptly sin binned until the last three minutes of the game.  Small consolation that his place on the bench was still warm when he went off.  

Here’s hoping for better luck on the injury front, the return to full fitness of all those currently recuperating and a successful season in 2010.  To all readers of the site, from whichever club, to fans, players and all, A Happy New Year! 

Venue:  Welford Road, Leicester 

Date:  27^th December 2009 

Attendance:  24000 

Referee:  Mr JP Doyle 

Weather:  Cold and wet

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