JUST LIKE THAT

Jos fast forward
By Jonathan Noad
February 28 2004

Following some traumatic weeks Sale cruised into the semis of the Powergen Cup with a convincing display over in form Saracens. With internationals Robinson, Jones, Sanderson and White returning to the team together with the young under 21 level players it was more like the Sale we know and love.

The announcement that Jim Mallinder had agreed in principle to stay at the club and the new management structure will have given the team a clearer focus. USA stand off Mike Hercus started at half back partnering England U21 Richard Wigglesworth and they seem to be an effective partnership in the absence of Basil and Chas. The starting forwards had a very mobile look about them with Six Nations back rowers Jones and White starting in the second row.

Sale started impressively in an organised and disciplined manner. They were also playing with some typical Sale flair thanks to the vision of Hercus. Their play was rewarded after only four minutes when Steve Hanley set up his opposite wing Mark Cueto for a try. Hercus duly converted. Sale continued to dominate possession thanks to the grit and determination of the pack. Mike Hercus added two further penalties to put Sale clear before Jos Baxendell intercepted a pass from Saracens captain Taine Randell to run 60 yards to the try line. Even World Cup winner Richard Hill could not catch Jos tonight. The Edgeley faithful certainly enjoyed it and not many had seen Jos run so fast – ever. Having missed a simple penalty earlier Hercus booted over a difficult conversion from wide out to send Sale 20-0 up at the break..

After the break Saracens came out more determined and managed to maintain some possession and had a pretty solid defence. However, even the inspirational Casteignade could not ignite their game enough adding a single penalty to the further two by the Sharks. Sale had other opportunities to increase their tally with sub Roddham going close towards the end of the game. The game finished 26-3 in favour of the Sharks, a win which they thoroughly deserved.

It was very pleasing to see the Sharks playing a lot better with clear focus, discipline and confidence. This will surely stand them in good stead for the next round of the cup and the league run in. It is still possible for this team to qualify for Europe next season and the return of Pete Anglesea together with other absentees will aid their cause significantly. Although Big Pete was man of the match on the night my vote goes to Jos who tackled his heart out all evening, kept the ball moving and was rewarded with a classic try.

Next up are Leeds following their impressive win over Bath. The Sharks, however, have got a sniff of Twickenham and may well be at the beginning of a good spell in an up and down season.

Sale:

Robinson, Cueto, Baxendell, Bond, Hanley, Hercus, Wigglesworth, Yates, Cairns, Stewart, White, Jones, Anglesea (capt), Sanderson, Lund.
Replacements: Roddam, Turner, Fullarton, Day, Mayor, Going, Simpson-Daniel.

Scorers : Hercus (2C, 4P), Cueto (1T), Baxendell (1T)

Saracens:

Bailey, Haughton, Johnston, Sorrell, O'Mahony, Castaignede, Williams; Sparks, Ibanez, Bergamaschi, Raiwalui (capt), Codling, Hill, Peacey, Randell.
Replacements: Marsters, Russell, Chesney, Roques, Kirton, Cech, Winnan.

Scorers : Castaignede (1P)