Sale (36) vs Bowdon (3)

Upon arrival at Sale it was good to see the minis and juniors of both clubs competing in what appeared to be a great day out for the next generation of players. It definitely added an extra passion to the Bowdon players as we do not often get cheered through a tunnel going onto the pitch!

We knew from the outset this was going to be a tough encounter, having made a number of replacements through injury over the last week and with a number of key players away. Sale has also strengthened substantially over the last 6 months and has opened a considerable gap at the top of the table.

Eugene Grimes (8) was unfortunately injured during the warm up. Although it at first appeared there might have been a sniper in the stands, Eugene later confirmed that a calf pull was the reason for his demise.

Following a quick reshuffle, Callum Baldwin moved from 6 to 8 to start the game with the cavalry called in to fill the bench. Bowdon won the toss and played away from the club house in the first half.
The game started at a high pace and Sale scored an early try through a well worked move. It was clear that Sale wanted to play a quick game. The kick was subsequently missed from virtually in front of the posts.

Bowdon’s spirits remained high over the next 10 minutes and Sale immediately knew they were in for a long afternoon with the likes of Chris Lamb and Liam Rice up close and personal all game. The pace of the game remained high and every one of the Bowdon team defended like lions with some steady set pieces, particularly through the old guard of Nick Buckley, Andrew Hines & Neil Collinge in the scrums.

Connor “I’m in the pocket Jonny” Armstrong slotted a great drop goal to move Bowdon to 3 points. Bowdon continued to build phases but never really provided the cutting edge to break the whitewash despite being camped out in the Sale 22 for long periods of the game. As Sale countered with devastating pace out wide they ran in the tries for a well earned win and bonus point.

Callum Baldwin (man of the match) was particularly influential throughout the game, carrying well from the base of the scrum but it was the team performance that really deserves a mention as the lads really pulled together and worked for each other. More positives than negatives even though we are disappointed with the loss and we will want to put it right when Sale return to Clay Lane in the New Year.

The next 2 games are key to our ambitions, starting with Tydelsley at home.