In cricket it is said that catches win matches whereas in rugby a strong kicker dominates play and more often than not determines victory or defeat. After losing a very close encounter at the Rec a few weeks ago because Charlie Hodgson couldn't kick his goal attempts, Sale benefited this time from an in-form Hodgson. Seven kicks at goal and seven strikes for the home-side fly-half made this a relatively easy victory. Despite being nominated Guinness Player of the Month for October, Shaun Berne's kicking isn't the strongest part of his game and it showed at Edgeley Park.

Picture courtesy Empics

It was vital that Sale won this match having lost to Cardiff last week and, after six minutes, Sale were awarded a kickable penalty but instead opted for territory, hoping a catch and drive would earn them maximum points. However it was a Hodgson drop goal from the ensuing line-out that opened Sale's account rather than a try. Two minutes later it looked as the home side had scored their first try after Michael Hills broke through the defence but his pass to an unmarked Steve Hanley was forward.

Hodgson extended the lead to 6-0 after 12 minutes after Bath conceded a penalty whilst soaking up tremendous Sale pressure. Three minutes later Lorne Ward was penalised for not binding at a scrum and Hodgson stretched the lead to 9-0. Sale opted for a fast and expansive game and this caused Bath problems as they were continuously placed on the back foot. 

Finally Bath made some progress after 15 minutes, when they stole a Sale lineout, and Crockett and Stephenson rushed from defence. Shaun Berne opted for a cross-field kick as attacking options appeared limited but fortunately Sale were caught off-side to enable Berne to reduce the arrears to six points.

Picture courtesy Empics

Sale continued to dominate and secured a penalty after 27 minutes, from which Hodgson opted for a five metre touch-finder, confident this time his forwards could take advantage of the territorial position. However Bath managed to steal the line-out and clear their lines but couldn't take full advantage of the opportunity as they knocked-on in their haste to make progress.

Ian Davey was taken off after 32 minutes with a shoulder injury and was replaced by Nick Abendanon who swapped positions with Michael Stephenson but too often Abendanon slipped on the lush turf as he tried running from defence when a clearance kick may have been more appropriate.

Bath picked up their game in the final ten minutes of the half and put Sale under a lot of pressure but couldn't convert pressure in to points. Shaun Berne missed a long 45 metre penalty but Charlie Hodgson didn't miss his late opportunity to make the score 12-3. 

It seemed that there would be no more scores before half time when Shaun Berne missed his touchline clearance kick. The ball was picked up by Steve Hanley who fed Chris Bell for a try. Hodgson's conversion made the score 19-3 at the break.

Three minutes in to the second half David Flatman was penalised for boring in to the scrum and Hodgson used this error to take the score to 22-3. Two minutes later Bath finally crossed the Sale line to score a try. From a centre field penalty Berne kicked to within five metres of the goal line: Borthwick caught excellent lineout ball and Lorne Ward was driven over for the score. Berne chipped over the conversion to make the score 22-10. Unfortunately the visitors couldn't build on this score.

Lee Mears replaced Rob Hawkins with 22 minutes left in the game. Hodgson kicked a further penalty to make the score 25-10 and Sale kept possession to wind down the clock with little opposition from Bath. David Flatman was led from the field with an injured shoulder and Mike Baxter was sin binned for a high tackle just before the final whistle.

All in all a disappointing display by Bath.

Referee: Mr Allen

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