By Craig in Wootton
February 23 2004

Considering the recent history of high scoring matches between the two sides, it was almost inevitable that we would see tries. The question was, who would get the lions share, and would it be a'Hats on Wheels' vintage performance? At this stage of the season each game becomes a mini cup final in it's importance for the Saints, and after recent lacklustre games against improving Rotherham and Sarries, nothing less than a five pointer would do. With many internationals away on holiday (or is that 6 Nations), the squad strength would be an important factor.

Straight out of the blocks from the kick-off, in a portent of what was to follow, Bruce picked up a loose ball on the left, for an easy run in, converted by Shine. The forwards were dominating in the loose, with a good passage of play allowing Grant Seely to score close to the posts, after another of Sharkeys trademark breaks from a long lineout. A touch of the knock-ons in going over the line, but perhaps I imagined it. 14-0 Saints.

Sale came back, playing expansive running rugby, and scored a good try by Handley, pulling play from right to left and stretching the Saints defence, but USA Eagles fly-half Hurcus didn't hurt us with the conversion.

In the scrum, Robbie Morris was having to cope with Andrew Sheridan, who is becoming an excellent scrummager to add to his incredible strength. Technically, Robbie has improved a lot and although under pressure, held up well. On the other side, Chris Budgen was having no such problems with Barrie Stewart. But this imbalance in the scrum led to a Sale score, when they were awarded the put-in from our scrum which had wheeled through 90 degrees. From where I was standing in B block, it was never more than 87 degrees and the scrum should have been allowed to continue. From the re-set scrum, the ball went to Going who touched down to a chorus of "knock on!" from those of us too far away to see properly. Conversion was good, Saints 14 -12 Sale.

Crossroads time (no not Amy Turtle), but which way will the game go. Are we to have a game of nip-and tuck, or will we disappear off into the distance? Bruce's second try after good work by Foxy certainly seemed to suggest the latter but with Saints at 21-12 up, the moment when the game changed.

I now invite Senor O. Ripol to write a thesis entitled 'The Art of Chasing Lost Causes'. After a woeful pass on our own 22 (I won't name the culprit, not because of the shame, but because I can't remember), Hurcus intercepted and took off with Cueto in support. Seeing two opposing players running away, spurred Oriol to give chase. As Oriol approached 90mph, Hurcus knew the game was up, and casually slowed down, knowing that the simple outside ball would give Cueto the score. Obviously there is a bit of the quarterback about Hurcus, as he passed forward to his teamate and the touchdown was disallowed. An easy and obvious decision for those of us at the other end of the ground watching, as well as for those of us at the other end of the ground officiating.

From that moment Sale appeared to lose heart, and Saints didn't help them by scoring again from Mark Tucker who came inside on a great line untouched by the defence to score under the posts, securing the bonus point, and all before half time. Score Saints 28-12 Sale.

Any chance of a Sale comeback? Not a hope, with Shane slotting a penalty straight after the break, and then breaking the gain line beautifully to set up Oriol on the wing. Sale were well and truly beaten now, and Saints forwards began to dominate possession, with more than ample support from the three's with Bruce once again outstanding. Man of the match will be an easy pick this week.

Then came the changes in personnel, but no respite for Sale, with Howard, Soden, and Williams in his first game back completeing the rout.

So we still have third place in our own hands, and with four of our remaining six games at home, lets hope the rollercoaster can plateau for a while.


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