Sale F.C. 37 Cleckheaton 16
SALE FC moved to the top of National 3 North with this win at Heywood Road.
They got off to the best of starts when a break by Ciaran Connolly allowed Jack Moorhouse to race in for the opening try, converted by Liam McGovern. The visitors then responded quickly with two penalties from Ross Hayden as Sale were twice caught offside.
Despite the start, Sale’s overall play developed a hesitant edge with poor kicking and ball retention hampering opportunities although McGovern did add a penalty to extend Sale’s lead.
Late in the half the Yorkshire side gained the advantage when flanker Danny Vento scored and Hayden added the conversion, before also adding a penalty on the stroke of half time for a 16-10 lead.
Sale needed to start the second half well, and they did just that. From inside the Sale 22 Chris Mayor put in a storming run and laid the ball off to Moorhouse who in turn drew the Cleckheaton defenders before returning the pass for Mayor to race in unopposed.
Two minutes later another flowing move ended with Connolly scoring and McGovern converting both tries, and a later penalty for an eleven point lead.
With ten minutes remaining Adam Aigbokhae powered over for the bonus point try and McGovern added the conversion before completing the scoring with a last minute penalty.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here