Sat 2 Oct 2021, 14:30
Leeds Tykes had to settle for a losing bonus point at a drizzly Heywood Road as the home side came from behind to emerge victorious.
The first score of the game came from a blistering run by Tom Brady which laid the platform for the hosts number 8 Jake Barron to dive over from close range at the base of a maul.
The Tykes then responded in style to take full control of the game, Charlie Venables striking a penalty from just inside his own half to narrow the gap. Shortly afterwards, he converted Jacob Mounsey’s opening try as the centre popped up at the back of a driving maul in the hosts 22.
Mounsey added a second try to extend the lead. Great expansive play built a platform as he found a gap out wide to dive over 6 minutes before the break. Venables slotted a touchline conversion to give the visitors a 12-point lead at 5 – 17.
Ill discipline gave Sale territory as they continued to kick for the corner from successive penalties. Hooker Josh Brown eventually muscled his way over between the posts, with the score easily converted by Chris Johnson to take the half time score to 12-17.
The second half was a tactical affair with neither side able to gain any prolonged possession. Handling errors crept in as the ball became slippery in wet conditions.
Three penalties for the hosts were the only scores of the second stanza as the Tykes failed to register any points despite having the ball in dangerous positions on a few occasions. The Tykes were reduced to 14 men after Thomas Williams saw red for a high tackle on Tom Walsh with 8 minutes on the clock.
Sale were perhaps worthy winners on the day as their superior experience allowed them to mange the conditions better. However, the bonus point was just reward for the Tykes endeavour.
Speaking after the game head coach Phil Davies said: "There was a lot to be pleased with both in attack and defence. The try before half time proved pivotal as it gave them confidence going into the second half".
He added that the group was growing with each game saying: “We are only five games in and still at an embryonic stage of our development. Coming away with a bonus point is better than nothing”
