By Chris G
September 1 2002

The Saints went out to a late late drop goal by Charlie Hodgson as they narrowly lost their opening Zurich Premiership game of the season to Sale at a very gloomy Heywood Road on Friday evening. However all was not darkness (despite the floodlights) as Saints put on a stirring display. In true 'hats on wheels' style the Saints came out of the blocks like demons and drove deep into Sharks territory from the off. With the game only just a minute old a finely weighted crossfield kick by Paul Grayson was gratefully latched on to by Ben Cohen who barged over for the score with just 75 seconds on the clock.

The try left those ignorant Sale 'supporters' who described our backs as 'carthorses' chomping into their own nosebags as the home support were stunned into silence. That Ben left one of the Sale 'thoroughbreds' Mark Cueto for dead only added to the joy.

Larry added the conversion for a very early 7-0 lead but no sooner had the crowd gathered their breath than a Jos Baxendall drop goal and a pair of penalties (given by the very whistle happy Steve Leyshon) edged the home side in front at 9-7.

Indeed so much was the tune on Mr Leyshons whistle played against the Saints it was somewhat of a surprise that the first time (of many) that he decided to brandish one of his yellow cards it was to a Sale player as Stuart Pinkerton was asked to spend ten minutes considering his actions.

To Sales credit however they took the game to the Saints and but for some stout defensive action Sale could have moved into a commanding lead. Kicking the ball straight, to a very luckily quiet, Jason Robinson did not help matters.

However simple mistakes and handling errors kept Sales penalty count going as Hodgson and Grayson exchanged a brace of further kicks before the end of the period with the teams going in at 15-13 in the Sharks advantage.

The second half promised much but it was a disjointed if not thoroughly entertaining half.
In between the triple cardings of Budgen, Morris and Harris by Mr Leyshon the teams actually managed to play some rugby.

An early Grayson penalty edged the Saints back into a lead again before the enigmatic Hodgson replied with two more to open up a five point gap going into the last minute.

The Saints at last rallied but were kept out by hook and more often than not by crook as the clock ran down. Step up Oriol Ripol.

Finally after the pack had pounded the Sale line and even after Ben Cohen had been held up over for the score Matt Dawson still found time to recylce the ball through the backs to the impressive debutant Oriol Ripol who squeezed into score in the corner.

With time seemingly up Larry had the conversion to win the game, or so it seemed. His kick went wide but suprisingly more time was added and instead of clearing their lines from the restart the Saints were driven back allowing young Hodgson who in all truth never put a foot wrong to drop the unexpected winner from 30 metres.

Of course initial disappointment but in the cold light of a day a lot for the Saints to take from this game. Sale have probably the most vaunted back division in the league but the Saints defence held firm while at the other end our lads took two well crafted scores. The lineout has improved out of all recognition from last seasons hit and miss affair with new signing Steve Williams to the fore.

Next up Newcastle at the Gardens on Saturday Despite defeat this team is on a roll, be there!