By Rodders
April 15 2014

... to our form of two years ago with a 12- 27 win over Sale

The night at Sale was a beautiful – warm, balmy. The ground is a curious combination of impersonal yet personal but comfortable.

The Fans Bar sold excellent Ale, but it ran out very quickly.

The service was excellent, but the cash machine was broken so we had no money to spend and cards were not accepted over the bar.

Quelle Catastrophe !!

However, the reputation of Sale was redeemed off the field by the lovely Carole, the Sale Fans Bar Hospitality Managress who provided free beer in compensation, restored the cash machine (for a short time) and who also arranged a Credit Card Tab – so despite Sales issues on the field, their reputation off the field was enhanced.

A visit to Sale is always a bit emotional for me as it was the club against whom I scored my first try in my first game of National level club rugby in 1060.. woops!..  I meant 1960 ( even I take a double take on that date )

Amateur days, but Sale were a very special club even in those days, I cant remember whether Eric Evans or Bill Patterson was captain of Sale for that game, but they both Captained England and I was up against Jim Roberts the then current England wing – Sale have an illustrious history.

…. However I ramble …

It’s always frustrating for the team providing key players to the National side.

Every Club has the pride in their players being selected for the National side but these clubs suffers in the League games that are played in the International window.

It’s not been something that we have had to worry about too much over precious years but we now understand the frustrations of our friends at clubs like Tigers and Wasps, who have suffered so much in the past.

However, the loss of Quins players in key positions held by Robshaw, Care, Marler and the remarkable Brown, plus the additional loss of the captain, is massively disruptive; their return is a relief but it takes time for them to integrate.

Last Friday night at Sale they finally laid down the marker to show that they are indeed a competitive force for the Title.

The last four games of the season are all Cup final Games and there is little doubt that Sale represented the primary Banana Skin.

Indeed a sublime play from Cipriani, gave Sale the opening try and suggested that they may, indeed, continue to emphasis their resurgence.

Quins ignored the warning and an immediate, even more joyous piece of individual skill from Snapper gave a warning that Sale were probably going to have a tough night; and so it was for Sale.

They were on the receiving end of a confident, ambitious, fit team who are prepared to take risks in the cause of playing their open fast style of rugby.

This style gave Sale a couple of opportunities, but one try was disallowed and frankly, the penalty try at the end was generous.

Sale had little possession and Quins defence was too strong.

The big question is whether Sale have been lucky in their good run of form or whether Quins are genuinely coming back on song.

The real proof will be a good win against Tigers on the 18th

On On Quins