Sale Sharks 22 Worcester Warriors 16

By Whaley Shark
August 24 2014

Rugby is back! Almost proper rugby, as we settle into our seats at the AJB for the first time in a few months for our pre-season warmup against relegated Worcester. They’ve had a big summer clearout and are trying to gel a young squad for the Championship; we’ve had fewer changes but need to see how the new boys are settling in as we look ahead to Bath at home in a couple of weeks.  

The early exchanges were pretty even with both sides coming close but in the end having to settle for penalties, leaving us 6-3 ahead and Worcester down to 14 men at the end of the first quarter first quarter (ish- the clock wasn’t working; all times approximate).

Then, however, a stolen lineout in midfield let us put Worcester under pressure and , although they attempted a clearance, it didn’t give them much space, the Sale forwards got a roll on from the lineout and, in the end the referee gave a penalty try.

The last significant action of the first half was a second Sale try, nicely worked down the right from a scrum on half way. Some neat interpassing and good support play put Tom Arscott over. The conversion went wide and we reached half time 15-6 ahead.

The first half hour of the second half was scoreless, memorable only for a spectacular Cobilas break and some strong defence as Worcester applied serious pressure in our 22. Worcester picked up another 3-pointer with about 70 minutes gone and then, at last, we strung a series of plays together. Worcester carelessly kicked a penalty dead, giving us a scrum in midfield. A penalty to touch, quick progress down the left to the Worcester 22, a quick tap penalty, then a penalty to touch in the corner, set us up in a good attacking position and quick thinking and an eye for a gap allowed Will Cliff, on for Chris Cusiter, to slide over.

The last few minutes was mainly Worcester, who clearly didn’t want to go home tryless and, after camping in our 22, they crossed after a tap penalty to bring the final score to 22-16.

It’s a bit difficult to know just what to make of that. We did look a bit ‘pre-season’, especially as multiple substitutions disrupted things. Worcester were their usual competitive selves, so it was a good test. Some of our new lads certainly put in good shifts. Chris Cusiter looked sharp, Luke McLean solid, and Nathan Hines annoying, which is what you’d want to see from a scrummy, full back and lock forward. My overall impression- nothing to be too worried about but still some work to do before Bath in a fortnight’s time.