By Jonathan Noad
November 2 2002

Following three disappointing losses the Sharks returned to winning ways with a gritty performance against Bristol. Graeme Bond making his home debut particularly caught the eye with some great tackling and breaks together with a try and drop goal Nick Walshe is now settling into the fly half role in the continued absence of Charlie Hodgson. Also of note was the pairing of Jason Robinson with Bond at Centre, which meant the in form Vaughan Going, started at full back.

There was no score until the tenth minute when Mark Cueto scored another scintillating try for the Sharks following a carving run from midfield. Surely Clive Woodward will take note of the wingers performances at some point. The try was converted by stand in stand off Nick Walshe whose kicking is ever improving under the watchful eye of Rowen Shepherd. Bristol managed a considerable amount of possession in the first half but the superb defence of Sale kept them from scoring. Sale added a penalty through the boot of Walshe to take the Sharks into a 10-0 lead. However, Sale gave away two penalties just before the break which Shane Drahm booted to take the scores to 10-6 with the game still anybody’s.

Shortly after the break a searing break by the impressive Bond led to a try which Walshe duly converted. However Bristol hit back soon after with a try from scrum half Richards. There was also an exchange of penalties which kept Bristol in the game. However, some good work from Steve Hanley chipping the Bristol back line led to a try for the Sharks – there was some debate however who got it first Hanley or Robinson. This took the scores to 25-14 when Bristol’s fate was sealed with a 35 metre drop goal from Graeme Bond.

This was a great win for Sale who must have been low on confidence following recent defeats. The team a s a whole turned in a good overall performance however Graeme Bond stood out controlling the game from inside centre. Also impressive was the young Davies in the back row not forgetting the great play (as always) from Bryan Redpath. Despite several key players missing this team is starting to gel and this win should give them the boost they need.

SALE SHARKS

Going; Cueto, Robinson, Bond, Hanley; Walshe, Redpath; Turner, Titterrell, Yates; Jones, Schofield; Anglesea, Pinkerton, Davies.

Replacements: Marais, Thorpe, Stewart, Lund, Day, Harris, Deane.

Scorers : Walshe (2C, 2P), Cueto (T), Bond (T, DG), Hanley (T)

BRISTOL SHOGUNS

Scorers : Drahm (3P), Richards (T)