By FrankG
November 4 2003

Saturday afternoon rugby comes to EP on the 8th Nov. Sky have selected this potentially exciting game to be broadcast. Last year an enthralling contest at Headingley ended 27-27, van Straaten landing a penalty for the Tykes in the last minute of the match. The home match was a win for Sale 32-20.

From time immemorial Saturday has been the time for a game of rugby, it has an air about it that is difficult to define. The socialising before hand and the pints consumed, give it an atmosphere of good humour and anticipation. On a Saturday it is possible to arrive at the ground in good time without fighting too much traffic. This should help our friends providing the opposition from across the Pennines, to make the short journey along the M62.

Leeds Tykes have had an indifferent start to the season but nevertheless have had some good results. They have won three games so far, with victories over Rotherham Titans, Saracens and Leicester Tigers. Gloucester only narrowly defeated them 24 –19 at Gloucester. They have some high-class players including Phil Christophers, Liam Botham, Tom Palmer, Duncan Hodge and Dan Scarborough. Aaron Persico and Diego Albanese have now returned from the World Cup duties and should be available to play if selected. With Phil Christophers and Diego Albanese on the wings and Dan Scarborough at full back The Tykes have pace aplenty in their back three.

There is no doubt that the Sharks will have to be on their metal if they are to succeed. Charlie Hodgson seems to fully fit and hopefully Jim Mallinder will select him to start in the number 10 berth. Whom he will play with at half back remains to be seen, will it be Nick Walshe or Richard Wigglesworth? The Sharks have a good away record. They have won three games and lost one, that to Newcastle Falcons by one point only and a game we should have won. We now have to convert an improving away side into a winning side at home. Last week we were so narrowly defeated by London Irish, despite having been in the lead after 80 minutes, a painful result for all and one that still rankles. Now is the time for Sale to take further steps by developing their play to higher level. We saw a flash of this when Charlie threw the wide ball to Steve Hanley who had room for manoeuvre and scored a good try as a result. Braam van Straaten's placekicking was immaculate last week and we must acknowledge his kicking skills. He has certainly come on form over the past few weeks.

The Sharks forwards continue to play well. They have matched up to all that has been thrown at them. Chris Jones has played well in the lineouts and is developing into a useful number 8. Matt Cairns has settled in well. He scored a good try against the Quins and made another. Let's hope he carries on with the good work. The front row and the second row both look solid. I see a definite improvement from last year.

It will not be easy. The Tykes have improved hugely since their promotion to the premiership two years ago. Everyone who follows Rugby was surprised and pleased by their outstanding improvement last year. They have strengthened the side since last season by recruiting sensibly, Phil Christophers being an outstanding capture.

It is now down to the supporters to turn out in force. The support will be needed, as yet there is no central organisation in the Cheadle Stand to provide the noise that is required and I know this occupying the minds of many who post on this site. There is a meeting Sale Sharks Official Supporters Club next month, perhaps something could be arranged then. (Dave Swanton at dave.swanton@salesharks.co.uk will be happy to provide you with the details of the club if you are not yet a member).

This is an excellent chance for the Sharks to start winning at Edgeley Park, my prediction is a win for Sale Sharks with three tries being scored, and possibly even more.

COME ON SALE

FrankG