Caldy 8 Sale FC 16

SALE travelled to the Wirral in the hope of securing sufficient league points to retain their status in National League Two North next season, and as one of five clubs potentially on the cusp of relegation it was going to be a nervous afternoon for all sides.

The visitors opted to play with a strong wind in their favour in the first half and their dedication to the cause was evident from the start as Sale had much the better of the half with a mix of strong running by the backs and powerful work by the pack that kept the hosts penned in their territory for much of the half.

Liam McGovern secured a penalty on 18 minutes to put Sale in front but a solid defensive display by Caldy limited opportunities.

A fine break by Sam Stelmaszek from just inside the Caldy half took play into the home 22 before the move broke down but Sale kept up the pressure and a driving maul from close range looked as though it had forced a score but the officials ruled otherwise.

Sale kept up their dominance and on the stroke of half time McGovern added a second penalty for a 6-0 lead, but given the amount of possession in the half, that was scant reward knowing that they would face the elements in the second period.

Four minutes into the second half Gavin Roberts opened the scoring for Caldy with a penalty but Sale responded with another Stelmaszek break that took play to almost the Caldy goal line.

From the resultant scrum Sale stole possession and superb handling ended with Elliot Fletcher touching down for an 11-3 lead.

Sale continued to cause a threat and on 55 minutes Jack Moorhouse scored Sale’s second try to make it 16-3.

Caldy worked hard to get into the game but time was against them, and with eight minutes left Nick Royle scored in the corner to give the hosts a chance.

In the closing minutes Sale kept possession well, taking play deep into the Caldy half to secure the win, and with other results going in their favour the survival celebrations began.