The Leicester Tigers, playing in silver, dispatched the Sale Sharks yesterday night, scoring 34 to their opponents 13. The victory was heralded as a return to form for the Welford Road-based team, who are languishing in ninth place in the table, with just two wins from seven games.
Both Leicester and Sale had an opportunity to open the scoring, early in the first half. The Tigers' Tom Croft led a spirited charge at the Sale defence, only to be smothered before he could make it count. A few moments later, the Sharks' Nick MacLeod booted a penalty wide, to keep the score goalless, all-round.
The first points came at the 11th minute, with a Toby Flood penalty. However, the goal did nothing to dampen the Sharks' resolve; Steve Diamond's men returned to the offensive immediately, and almost had their aggression rewarded, when Rob Miller beat a path down the left flank. Pundits like Will Greenwood will have been impressed.
MacLead was given a chance at redemption at the half hour mark. He kicked two successful penalties to give Sale the lead, heading into the break. The Sharks' Tom Brady, who had a try ruled out earlier in the game, put the memory behind him, scoring a try in the final few minutes of the first half. The score at half-time; 13-3, in Sale's favour.
The Tigers' half-time orange had a brilliant effect on the Midlanders. Unfettered by his missed kick in the first few moments of the second half, Flood scored a penalty, before setting up another try for the visitors in the 58th. Trys from Argentine monster, Martin Castrogiovanni, and Flood, once again, quickly ended Sale's first half advantage. Those looking for betting tips will have been impressed.
Marcos Ayerza, another South American, sealed the match for the Tigers, in the 70th minute. The result will no doubt give Leicester the confidence to salvage their season, after injuries and a string of World Cup call-ups decimated their squad. The final score; 34-13, a resounding victory for the Tigers.
0 Comments:
Post a Comment