SALE FC started their pre-season campaign underway with a 31-26 on the road at Lichfield.

The hosts started strongly with some confident handling but it was Sale who had the first points on the board when from a scrum in the Lichfield 22 quick ball down the backs saw new signing Adam Greendale release Ciaran Connolly for the opening try converted by Liam McGovern.

Despite the setback the home side continued to play some confident rugby and on 22 minutes full-back Will Cotterhill went over for a fine try and Massey added the conversion to level the scores.

Five minutes later the hosts took the lead when Cotterhill broke through for a second try but this time the conversion was missed leaving Lichfield five points ahead at the end of the first period of play.

Six minutes into the second period a loose pass by Lichfield well inside Sale territory saw Jack Wise gain possession and race 70 metres to score under the posts and

McGovern added the extras and Sale led 14-12.

Sale extended their lead five minutes into the final period when pressure on the Lichfield ended with Jonathan Keep touching down but three minutes later a break from Lichfield centre Dave Gentle ended in a try and with Massey adding the conversion, the hosts were back on level terms.

Sale now gained the impetus with two tries in seven minutes the first from Keep, and the second from new signing Tom Ailes converted by Greendale with just minutes left, looked to have given Sale a respectable win.

However, Lichfield weren’t finished and an interception by winger Tom Wain saw him race in from just inside the Sale half for a converted try.