Saracens slump at Haywood Road

By Michael Smith
April 25 2002

Saracens relegation fears worsen as the Men in Black crash 23-3 to the Sale Sharks in what can only be described as a dire affair from both teams...

Sale continue their rise in the Zurich Premiership after they disposed of Saracens in an error-strewn affair. Saracens in contrast seem to be haunted by setbacks of late as Tim Horan was taken off the field with a suspected fractured right wrist and is likely to be out for six weeks.

This game can hardly be described as a gripping affair in fact nothing much can be said of the first half other than Sale lead Saracens 9-0 at the break.

The second half was little better although Saracens still kept up a spirited attack while Sale struggled to unleash their match winners Jason Robinson and Mark Cueto.

The killer blow for Saracens game with an interception try from Cueto, but Sarries denied the home team of a vital bonus point, which would have taken Sale into second place behind the Champions Leicester.

Saracens can only continue to work to avoid the relegation drop zone and already the Men in Black are looking to recruit for next season as they have allegedly signed Craig Quinnell of Wales, Christian Califano of France and Niki Little from Fiji.

Next up the Men in Black travel to Northampton were they would be hoping for a small miracle and a reversal of fortunes.

Final Score: Sale Sharks 23 Saracens 3

Teams

SALE SHARKS: J Robinson; M Cueto (rep: A Dickens, 65), M Shaw, M Deane (rep: D Harris, 53), S Hanley; C Hodgson, B Redpath; K Yates, A Titterrell (rep: C Marais, 40), A Black (rep: B Stewart, 54), I Fullarton, M Giacheri (rep: P Anglesea, 49), C Jones, S Pinkerton, A Sanderson.

SARACENS: A Winnan; B Johnston, K Sorrell, T Horan (rep: T Shanklin, 12), D O'Mahony; L Smith (rep: B Hampson, 40), N Walshe; R Russell, N Cairns (rep: A Halsey, 57), D Flatman, A Benazzi, S Murray (rep: K Roche, 40+3), K Chesney, T Roques, R Hill (rep: B Russell, 48).

SCORERS

Sale Sharks: Tries: Cueto (45min), Anglesea (61). Conversions: Hodgson 2. Penalty goals: Hodgson 3 (14, 26, 40+4).

Saracens: Penalty goal: Sorrell (52).

SCORING SEQUENCE: (Sale Sharks first): 3-0, 6-0, 9-0 (half-time), 16-0, 16-3, 23-3.

Referee: C White (Gloucester).