It only took two minutes for the visitors to concede the first penalty of the day, Malone duly slotted over the conversion 3 – 0. Less than two minutes later and Mr White spotted an infringement at a scrum (quite what I wasn’t sure but I put it down to Quins being ahead). Hodgeson duly converted 3 – 3. Quins were again on the attack, forcing Sale to concede another penalty 6 – 3.

So the first half went. Attacks by Quins such as a great attack down field by Mike Brown ended in a knock-on. Sale were lucky not to be a man down when Gary Botha was upended, however the penalty was awarded and duly converted 9 – 3. It was a credit to Sale that the pressure was not all one way and Quins were lucky when Seb Stegman managed to get back and finally the ball was cleared, all of five meters. After some severe pressure a very quick Quins throw-in managed to clear the lines.

With 15 minutes to go the score was 9 – 6 after another Sale penalty. The very physical nature of the game showed with the first injury departure of the game when McAllister came off. A short while later, with Sale in position of the ball, Quins were pinged for crossing, not releasing and wearing too brighter shirt and it was all even 9 – 9. Once again almost from the off Quins got another penalty and Molly scored 12 – 9. Chris White appeared to be asking for divine help with the scrum, it did not appear to be forthcoming. Another Sale penalty again brought the scores level 12 – 12. With half time looming another strong Quins attack saw Sale’s Kiel watching the game from the Quins side, as the ball came scooting out towards him he decided to flop on the ball. It was such a blatant offside that Chris White had to show him a yellow card. Just in time half-time.

A somewhat fired up Quins reappeared after the break. After a penalty each that rarest of birds, the rolling maul made a welcome reappearance and it kept going. In fact it kept going until Gary Botha went over for the first score. Molly duly converted 19 – 12. Sale was still down a man however a penalty kept them in touch 19 – 15. Still Quins played the better offloading game and the excellent Stegman managed to show his class for a try and although Malone missed the conversion Quins were getting up their head of steam 24 – 15.

Sale seemed to be tired and their heads seemed to go down at this point. It could be summed up when further Quins pressure saw a Quins scrum on the Sale try line. Tom Guest powered over from the base of the scrum almost unopposed, the conversion from Malone was good bringing the score 31 – 15 and the bonus point was now on. Sale upped the pressure, choosing to run penalties rather than kicking. Quins also showed an excellent recycling game. In one move I lost count of the number of hands the ball moved through although unfortunately the move ended in a forward pass/ crossing/ not giving Sale a chance.

Another Sale penalty went through the hands, as it approached the wing De Wet Barry (whom also had a stormer of a game) managed to get a good interception and set off up field at speed and despite a tracking Sale defence, managed to keep ahead to score, the try duly converted by Malone to make the score 38 – 15. Despite further attacks that was the end of the Quins scoring. It is tribute to Sale that they kept going and they had the final say with a try by Charlie Hodgeson. The conversion was missed. I should mention that by this point Mr White had had his well indicated prayers answered and the easier uncontested scrums were in full swing. The final score was 38 – 20.

Tackle of the Match was by Chris Robshaw with Man of the Match going to Gary Botha. The game gave me more optimism for the remaining games, especially Sale away. A bit of a break will see Worcester home at mid–week and then the test at Bath which is on Sky. Grounds for optimism not only for the GP but for the HC are that as grounds get harder the faster running game that Quins seem to have the players for are giving a fantastic spectacle including some sublime pop passes from forwards as well as backs to keep moves going and the opposition on the back foot.    

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