Sale v Saracens Programme

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Proud to support your game We are committed to celebrating the inclusive and diverse nature of Rugby from the amateur level to the elite.

Throughout the season not only do we aim to celebrate the grassroots level of the game but also to recognise the significant value local amateur clubs bring to their communities up and down the country. From junior teams to veteran teams, wheelchair rugby to walking rugby, women’s teams to mixed ability rugby, deaf rugby to blind rugby, teams and clubs from all areas and formats are important to the game.

Grassroots rugby plays an important role in local communities, which is why we are committed to supporting these clubs, so they can continue to embody and represent the inclusive, fun and loyal nature of the sport.

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Directory & Honours

D I R E C TO R Y &

HONOURS Owners: Simon Orange & Ged Mason OBE

Hospitality Manager: Leonie Wolff

Chief Executive: Jon Dorsett

Graphic Designer: Conor Dorsett

Chairman: Fran Cotton Board: Mike Ingall, Mike Blood, Dermot Power, Steve Smith Director of Rugby: Steve Diamond

Hospitality Sales Manager: Craig Hookham Ticketing Manager: Angela Traynor Media Manager: Sam Diamond

Coaches: Pete Anglesea, Paul Deacon, Mike Forshaw, Dan Richmond, Jon Callard

Matchday Operations Co-ordinator: Kate Benetta

Commercial Director: Mark Cueto MBE

Data Analyst: Jack Hannington

Operations Manager: Paul Smith

Merchandise Manager: Lisa Robinson

Team Manager: Scott Needham Head of Strength and Conditioning: John Kirkpatrick

Sharks Community Trust Executive Director: Jonny Acheson

Head of Sports Science: Rick Swaby

Community Events & Office Manager: Helen Stuart

Performance Analyst: Hugh Jenner

Photographers: John Marfleet, Tim Williams, Roger Evans

Honours Guinness Premiership Champions: 2005-2006 Guinness Premiership League Winners: 2005-2006 Zurich Premiership Runners Up: 2001-2002 European Challenge Cup Winners: 2004-2005 Parker Pen Shield Winners: 2001-2002 Powergen Cup Finalists: 2003-2004 LV Cup Finalists: 2012-2013 EDF Energy Cup Semi Finalists: 2006-2007 Heineken Cup Quarter Finalists: 2005-2006 King of the North Winners: 2015-2016 Programme design by “ The programme people�

Contact Us Stadium (Game Day Only): AJ Bell Stadium, Stadium Way, Liverpool Road, Eccles, M30 7EY Office & Admin: Sale Sharks High Performance Centre, Carrington Lane, Carrington, Manchester, M31 4AE

Telephone:

Corporate Hospitality: 0161 667 7510 (ext.2)

Stadium: 08444-844-8400 Ticket Office: 08444-994-994 Office & Admin: 0161 667 7510

Customer Service Director: 0161 667 7514 Email: info@salesharks.com Website: www.salesharks.com

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Ged Mason

GED MASON GOOD EVENING EVERYONE AND A VERY WARM WELCOME BACK TO THE AJ BELL STADIUM FOR TONIGHT’S LATEST PREMIERSHIP MATCH AT HOME TO SARACENS. I would also like to extend a personal welcome to all the Saracens players, staff and supporters.

With the season approaching its business end, the positive news for everyone is that the club is still moving in the right direction with the latest evidence of our progress being illustrated in last weekend’s 13-9 Premiership win away at London Irish.

Reflecting back on Saturday’s game at the Madejski Stadium, we absolutely dominated Irish in terms of territory, possession and chances created in the opening 40 minutes.

We could have scored several tries but instead only went in at the break 10-3 to the good. To Irish’s credit, they came out a different team in the second half and played very well, pushing us all the way to the final whistle.

I believe the next stage in our development is for us to capitalise when we are on top during games and to finish teams off. If nothing else, that would help us to avoid those nerve-wracking last ten minutes we keep having to endure!

I think that I must have aged about five years since buying the club, based on the anxious last few minutes in several of our recent games and that’s because we’re not capitalising when we should.

However, it’s easier said than done and I also think we need to give full credit to Irish who, given that they were fighting for their Premiership lives, defended like absolute Trojans.

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In many ways I felt that the challenge of taking on a desperate Irish side away from home would present a similar stern test to that of taking on Saracens at the AJ Bell. Hopefully we can achieve a similar result!

So it was another excellent win for us on the road and for the players to demonstrate the character and resilience to secure the victory speaks volumes.

One of the other big plus points for us from the weekend was the fact that we fielded 13 homegrown players in our match-day squad.

It again demonstrated our commitment to youth and the great work being done by the club’s Academy and we want to carry on encouraging the next generation.

As we have already shown, we’re not afraid to bring in top-class internationals if needed but one of our key priorities here at Sale is in offering opportunities to our exciting young talent.

A prime example of that is someone like young Luke James who, at the age of just 18, has started several recent games and won two man-of-thematch awards.

Tonight is also a significant evening off the field for Sale Sharks as the club will be officially signing the Armed Forces Covenant.

The signing of the Covenant is a written, voluntary pledge by Sale Sharks to support the British Armed Forces community and as a club we are delighted to further demonstrate our commitment to the military in this way.

It’s further proof that Sale Sharks is an Armed Forces-friendly organisation and the signing of the Covenant also builds on the great work already being done by our Sharks Forces project which engages with and supports former military personnel and their families.

We are also delighted to welcome members of our Armed Forces here to the AJ Bell Stadium tonight.

So, things are looking pretty positive at the moment and we’re not in a bad place. We’re not shy of stating that our ambition is to reach and stay in the top-four, and the sooner we achieve that target the better.

Victory at Irish lifted us into the top-six so we’re in a good position to at least try and achieve that objective this season.

It will be a tough ask, especially with a newlyformed squad with so many new additions, but that is where we are going so there is no time like the present to start the journey.

I think we have improved during the season as the lads have become used to each other and hopefully this will continue for the remainder of the campaign and beyond.

I hope everyone enjoys tonight’s game and I would again like to thank you for your support.

Regards, Ged Mason

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Director of Rugby

STEVE DIAMOND GOOD EVENING AND WELCOME BACK TO THE AJ BELL STADIUM FOR TONIGHT’S LATEST AVIVA PREMIERSHIP MATCH AT HOME TO SARACENS. I would also like to welcome all the coaching staff, players and supporters from Saracens who have travelled up from London for tonight’s match.

It is the second time we have played host to Saracens this season following our AngloWelsh Cup meeting last November, but I don’t doubt for a minute that tonight’s clash will be a different proposition altogether.

Reigning champions Exeter have done a fantastic job over the past few years but I don’t think that anyone could deny that Saracens are the model that we all aspire to emulate.

They have been fantastically successful – both on and off the field – for several seasons now and they have become the benchmark by which every other club should be measured.

Under Mark McCall’s astute leadership, Saracens have an unbelievable coaching staff 6

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and the club has also assembled a fantastic squad of players.

They are again going really well this season both domestically in the Premiership, where they are now hard on the heels of leaders Exeter, as well as in Europe where Sarries are the only English club to have qualified for the quarter-finals of the European Champions Cup. It’s always a great occasion when you play against Saracens as you are up against worldclass players and, unfortunately, we have not come out on the right side against them too many times over the past eight or nine years.

However, we have a got a good, competitive squad here which I think was demonstrated once again last Saturday with that great 13-9 win away at London Irish.

We are organised, we know what we are doing and I think it all bodes well for what should be a really exciting game.

One of the many encouraging positives for us from our trip to the Madejski Stadium was the fact that 13 of our 23-man match-day squad were homegrown from our Academy.

That’s testament to the great work being carried out by our Academy staff and is further proof that, as a club, we will always back our exciting young talent.

With eight games of the campaign remaining, I would also like to take this opportunity to again thank you, our amazing supporters, for all your support so far this season.

The fans’ backing for the team has been magnificent all the way through and is really appreciated by everyone at the club and we will need all your support once again tonight as we face the ultimate test of our credentials.

Enjoy the game and thanks for your support.

Dimes

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12/02/2018 18:31

SIGNING OF

FORCES COVENANT Sale Sharks are to sign the Armed Forces

that Sale Sharks have chosen to sign the Armed

by the club. That’s probably the most important

Covenant during the Aviva Premiership game at

Forces Covenant.

impact of all,” said Craig.

“The Armed Forces Covenant represents the

“If I was a rugby fan and had served in the military

home to Saracens on Friday, February 16 (7.45pm).

The club’s co-owners, Simon Orange and Ged

nation’s support to our soldiers, sailors and

Mason, together with Sale Sharks Community

airmen. This visible declaration, by a high-profile

Trust Executive Director, Jonny Acheson, will

community focussed club, is vitally important in

officially pledge the Sharks’ support to the military

promoting that support.

by signing the Covenant in a special ceremony to be held ahead of kick-off The signing of the Covenant is a written, voluntary pledge by Sale Sharks to support the British Armed Forces community.

To help commemorate the occasion, the Lancashire Artillery Band will be perform in the Sharks’ Hospitality tent prior to kick-off.

A large number of military personnel will also be in attendance at the fixture with several military vehicles also on display around the AJ Bell Stadium too while a contingent of Royal Marines will ascend down a zip line and deliver the match ball to the officials prior to kick-off.

Sale Sharks commercial director, Mark Cueto MBE, said that the club were keen to further demonstrate its support for the Armed Forces.

“Their work in delivering the Sharks Forces project has made a real difference and I look forward to working in partnership to develop further community-based activities and projects. I wish them all the best for the match against Saracens.”

Colonel Hughes will be present at the AJ Bell Stadium on the night, representing the Army, with Flight Lieutenant Ruth Caplan representing the

promises towards the military community and one of the key areas, in tandem with the work of the Sharks Forces project that we have already established here, is supporting the role of families and working closely with them, helping in the transition from life in the military to becoming a civilian.

after families is crucial when their loved ones are

The signing of the Covenant carries particular

away on active duty protecting the rest of us.”

significance for one member of the Sharks staff -

Reflecting on his own personal experience of

Craig Monaghan.

serving with the military, Craig also believes there

Now serving as a project officer with the Sharks

are important parallels between life in the Armed

Forces project, which uses rugby as a vehicle to engage and support former military personnel, former soldier Craig was seriously wounded colleagues who tragically lost their lives fighting

Forces covenant,” said Mark.

for their country.

“It serves to further demonstrate that we are

Craig knows from first-hand experience how

an armed forces-friendly organisation and that

important the link is between the military and Sale

we recognise the enormous value that serving

Sharks and he says the club signing the Covenant

Headquarters North West, said: “I am delighted

“In signing the Covenant, we’ve had to make some

“Those pledges are very important and looking

of Premiership clubs to have signed the Armed

Colonel Ray Hughes, Assistant Commander

and be really welcomed.

attending on behalf of the Royal Navy.

in action in Afghanistan where he lost 10 close

contribute to our country.”

would know that Sale was a club where I could go

Royal Air Force and Commodore Phil Waterhouse

“I’m very pleased that Sale Sharks will join the list

personnel, veterans and military families all

and seen that the club had signed the Covenant, I

is hugely significant.

Forces and at a rugby club.

“There are so many similarities between the rugby world and the military world in terms of the banter, the team ethic and the special bond you develop,” Craig added.

“You are willing to lay everything down for your mates and to cover each other’s backs so the characteristics of a rugby player and a solider are very similar.

“If you are a military serviceman or woman, the

“I know that the military really appreciate what

knowledge that Sale Sharks have signed the

the club are doing and our partnership is only going

Covenant tells you that you will be looked after

to grow going forward, so it’s really a win-win.” www.salesharks.com | Sharks Life

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Visitors

WELCOME AGAIN TO

SARACENS FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS IN 1876, ‘SARRIES’ HAVE DEVELOPED INTO ONE OF WORLD RUGBY’S MOST RESPECTED AND FAMOUS RUGBY CLUBS. The North London club are enjoying a period of unbridled success. In 2014/15 they were winners of six domestic trophies, across both men’s and women’s competitions and in 2015/16 the team made club history by becoming the first English club since 2004 to win the European and Premiership double.

Early Days The Saracens Football Club was founded 142 years ago by the Old Boys of the Philological School in Marylebone (later to become Marylebone G S) and its first fixture was at Primrose Hill playing fields with the red star and crescent worn. Amalgamation with neighbouring club the Crusaders occurred in 1878.

Grounds Saracens had played on nine different grounds before the move to Bramley Road for the 1939/40 season. WW II actually prevented them from playing there until 1945.

The club played fixtures against the leading clubs for many years and enjoyed a particularly successful time in the 1970’s when they reached the semi-finals of the National Cup. Courage Leagues With Floyd Steadman as captain and Tony Russ as coach, Saracens won the Courage League Division Two in 1989 with a 100% record. The 12

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following year in the first division, Saracens surprised many by finishing fourth in the league behind Wasps, Gloucester and Bath.

new base when Castres were the visitors in the

From the 1992/93 season Saracens had a seesaw existence through the decade.

to finish second in the Premiership, one behind

A club re-born In November 1995, Saracens gained the financial backing of Nigel Wray and this enabled the club to recruit the likes of Michael Lynagh, Philippe Sella, Francois Pienaar and Kyran Bracken, all signed in 1996/97. After two seasons playing at Enfield, the club moved to Vicarage Road, home of Watford FC. Saracens would call Vicarage Road home for 16 years. They played their first match at their

European Conference, a 26-21 victory.

The club only lost three games during the season Newcastle and made their first appearance in the Tetley’s Bitter Cup at Twickenham, where they demolished Wasps 48-18. This victory was the perfect stage for Michael Lynagh and Philippe Sella, who retired from rugby at the end of the season.

Legends such as Richard Hill, Thomas Caistengede, Kevin Sorrell, Kris Chesney and many more would leave an indelible mark on any Saracens fans memory with some superb performances.

Visitors

The club’s Heineken Cup run in the 2007/2008 season under the coaching of Alan Gaffney was one of the happier memories of the club’s stay at the home of the Hornets.

A new dawn In February 2009, with a South African consortium at the club’s helm, Brendan Venter took over from outgoing director of rugby Eddie Jones and started a transition at the club.

After a tumultuous summer of 2009 where 15 players were replaced, Venter, alongside Ulsterman Mark McCall, implemented a new culture at the club with a long-term strategy to become English rugby’s finest club, on and off the pitch.

In 2009/2010, they reached the Premiership final, narrowly missing out with an agonising defeat to Leicester Tigers.

The season later, with trusted lieutenant Steve Borthwick calling the shots on the pitch, the Men in Black lifted their first ever league title in front of 80,000 fans at Twickenham Stadium.

With Venter having left the club, Mark McCall led Saracens to another Premiership final in

2014. A contentious TMO call in extra time gave Northampton Saints the title in an epic Aviva Premiership Final. The club also reached their first ever European final, losing out to Jonny Wilkinson’s team of Galaticos, Toulon, at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

Saracens re-grouped, in some style, winning a domestic League and Cup double the following season in 2014/15.

Parklife!

In January 2013, Saracens had opened Allianz Park - the long awaited new home of the Men in Black positioned in beautiful green surroundings in NW4, North London. On the field, Saracens would break new ground once again with the club using the world’s first artificial turf pitch for a professional rugby club.

Making History Following the successes of the 2014/15 season Saracens went one better in 2015/16 by securing their first ever European Cup, beating Racing 92 in Lyon. It was an impressive achievement for Saracens who also became the first side to win the European Cup without losing a game. Two weeks later, Saracens were able to defend their

Aviva Premiership title at Twickenham as they overcame Exeter Chiefs. Saracens became the first English club since 2004 to win a European and Domestic double.

The 2016/17 season marked another successful year for the Men in Black as the side claimed their second Champions Cup title, defeating ASM Clermont Auvergne in the final at BT Murrayfield.

Last summer the club also had six players selected for the British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand - Jamie George, Mako Vunipola, Liam Williams, Owen Farrell, Maro Itoje and George Kruis. Billy Vunipola was also selected for the tour but was forced to withdraw due to injury.

Here and now International calls leave Sarries a few short during the present window, but they have massive squad strength. They resumed their Aviva Premiership fixtures against the Falcons last weekend, tucked away in second spot behind the champion Chiefs.

There are plenty of past links between our clubs, but for the present, mention must be made of Alex Sanderson, Joe Shaw and JP O’Reilly off the field, and Richard Wigglesworth and Kieran Longbottom on it. www.salesharks.com | Sharks Life

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Visitors

HYUNDAI FORKLIFTS

Game Report

SALE SHARKS 15 NORTHAMPTON SAINTS 24

Attendance: 2879 Referee: Anthony Woodthorpe Sale Sharks saw their Anglo-Welsh Cup hopes suffer last-gasp heartbreak at the AJ Bell Stadium as Nafi Tuitavake’s try snatched victory for Northampton Saints.

A youthful Sale side looked to have secured what would have been a deserved third successive group victory after tries by Sam Moore, Luke James and Marc Jones had opened up a 20-17 lead with less than a minute on the clock.

But a powerful Saints side summoned up their cavalry for a late, late response and with time up on referee Anthony Woodthorpe’s watch, there was a cruel sting in the tail for the Sharks as Tuitavake scrambled over to steal victory.

Chances were few and far between in the opening exchanges as both sides looked to gain the upper hand.

Saints carried a potent physical threat but a youthful Sale side - with 18-year-old Kieran Wilkinson deployed at fly-half - demonstrated a willingness to attack.

In the game’s first real opening on 10 minutes Paolo Odogwu almost darted over on the left wing after jinking through two tackles following a superb incisive run by captain Will Addison.

With the wind at their backs, Sale were carrying virtually all the attacking threat and their pressure was finally rewarded on 31 minutes.

Faf de Klerk and Bryn Evans made the initial inroads taking the Sharks to within five metres of the line and young number eight Sam Moore got the fans on their feet by driving over for a fine try, though Will Addison was narrowly off-target with the conversion.

Centre Luke James eluded the Saints midfield right on the break for half-time with a surging run and from a subsequent Addison attack, Tom Stephenson was yellow-carded for not releasing.

Addison subsequently drilled over the 35m kick to send the Sharks in at the break deservedly holding an 8-0 lead.

Northampton sought an instant response after the break and it arrived out of nowhere on 48 minutes.

Ken Pisi and Ahsee Tuala combined to propel the Saints on a 70m charge from deep in their territory with Pisi touching down and replacement fly-half James Grayson adding the conversion.

Within four minutes, Saints struck again in similar fashion. Odogwu lost possession a few metres shy of the

Saints line and scrum-half Cobus Reinach then sprinted 50m upfield before finding Nafi Tuitavake who draw the Sharks defence before feeding Ben Nutley who touched down, Grayson again adding the extras.

Suddenly out of nowhere the Saints were 14-8 ahead but rather than panicking the Sharks regrouped and hit back on 55 minutes with a fine score.

Luke James made an initial surge and from a subsequent series of give and goes, Wilkinson executed a fine crossfield kick which James gathered on the touchline before the 18-year-old showed his strength to power over the line.

Grayson then kicked a 62nd minute penalty before the Sharks hit back by claiming their third try.

From a series of five metre penalty line-outs, the Sale pack laid siege to the Northampton line before Marc Jones rumbled over to dot down, Addison’s conversion making it 20-17 for the Sharks.

With time slipping away, Northampton then threw everything at Sale and as the clock ran down to zero, Northampton were camped on the Sale line. Finally, after wave after wave of attacks had been repelled, Tuitavake somehow found room to burrow over and steal victory for the visitors.

Scoring sequence (Sale score first): 5-0, 8-0, 8-5, 8-7, 8-12, 8-14, 13-14, 13-17, 18-17, 20-17, 20-22, 20-24 NORTHAMPTON: Tuala, Pisi, Tuitavake, Stephenson, Collins, Myler, Reinach, Van Myk, Marshall, Brookes, Ratuniyarawa, Day, Ribbans, Ludlam, Nutley Replacements: Clare (Marshall 64), Ma’afu (Van Myk 54), Ford-Robinson (Brookes 64), Paterson

SALE SHARKS Haley Charnley Addison L James Odogwu Wilkinson De Klerk Flynn Jones John Evans Beaumont Ioane Neild Moore Replacements: Langdon Pope (Flynn 68) Tarus (Tarus 10 HIA John 23) Postlethwaite (Evans 74), Seymour Nott (Moore 63) Cliff (Addison 66) Redpath (Odogwu 54)

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Game Report

SCARLETS 18

SALE SHARKS 45 Attendance: 3021 Referee: Adam Jones

It was seven-up for super Sale as the Sharks rounded off their Anglo-Welsh Cup campaign in fine style with a superb win away at Parc y Scarlets.

The Sharks ran in seven tries as they swept aside the Welsh hosts with youngsters Aaron Reed and Curtis Langdon both claiming their first senior scores for the club.

Josh Charnley, Ben Curry, Rob Webber, Josh Strauss and Will Cliff also scored for Sale who overcame the loss of replacement scrum-half Faf de Klerk who was shown a red card by referee Adam Jones midway through the second half for throwing the ball away after he had just been sin-binned.

An action-packed first 40 minutes saw the sides share out five tries and it was the hosts who drew first blood on five minutes, Lee Rees’ kick-through evading both Reed and Cameron Redpath which allowed Jac Price the opportunity to gather and score.

However, the Sharks soon responded in style with a quickfire riposte which saw them create three tries in a devastating eight-minute spell.

The first arrived on 13 minutes when from a five-metre penalty scrum, the ball was recycled out to the right wing where Josh Charnley touched down to level affairs.

On 19 minutes Sale struck again. From a five metre penalty lineout, Ben Curry made deep inroads before the ball was recycled for hooker Rob Webber to crash over, Will Cliff adding the conversion.

And within two minutes, the Sharks had stretched their lead once again with a thrilling move.

Full-back Mike Haley was the architect, his electric burst and shimmy evading the Scarlets defensive line and then the England Saxons star timed his pass to perfection to put Curry in under the posts, Cliff again converting.

To their credit however, the Scarlets regrouped and clawed their way back into the game.

Maynard drilled over a 23rd minute penalty and then Cliff received a yellow card for deliberately slowing play down, Maynard nailing the subsequent threepointer.

And on 37 minutes the Scarlets went over for their second try after a fine counter-attack with Rees

finishing off the move, Maynard’s subsequent conversion narrowing the deficit to just 18-19 at the break.

The Sharks came out all guns blazing at the start of the second half and produced a superb opening spell of pressure which yielded two more excellent tries.

The first - and Sale’s fourth of the night - came on 49 minutes and was inspired by teenage centre Cameron Redpath.

The 18-year-old produced a stunning break to beat the Scarlets midfield and then found livewire scrum-half Cliff who finished off the attack under the posts, Will adding the conversion.

Two minutes later, Redpath produced some more fine work before a brilliant James grubber kick was gobbled up by young winger Arron Reed for his first senior Sale try, Cliff converting.

However, the game then erupted in controversy when referee Adam Jones first showed Faf De Klerk - who had just replaced Cliff - a yellow card for being offside before then brandishing the red after the South African threw the ball away.

It forced first Ben Curry and then Haley to fill in at scrum-half but rather than dwell on what appeared a harsh decision, the Sharks keep their foot on Scarlets throat with the hosts also seeing lock Bryce Morgan yellow-carded.

And after a series of close-quarter drives on the hosts line, a deserved sixth try arrived on 70 minutes from skipper Josh Strauss, Redpath adding the conversion.

Replacement hooker Curtis Langdon then rounded off a fine night’s work by dotting down for his first senior score to seal a comfortable victory.

Scoring sequence (Scarlets score first): 5-0, 5-5, 5-10, 5-12, 5-17, 5-19, 8-19, 11-19, 16-19, 18-19, 18-24, 1826, 18-31, 18-33, 18-38, 18-40, 18-45 SCARLETS: Williams, Griffiths, Jones, Lloyd, Price, Maynard, Rees, Price, Hughes D, Sebastian, Long, Morgan, Ellis-Jones, Worrall, Condy Replacements: Thomas C (Hughes 65), Watkins, Thomas S (Sebastian 61), Baker, Pike (Ellis-Jones 67), George, Hughes I (Lloyd 68), Reyland

SALE SHARKS Haley Charnley L James Redpath Reed S James Cliff Harrison Webber John Evans Beaumont Ioane, Curry Strauss Replacements: Langdon (Webber 50) Flynn (Harrison 57) Aulika (John 57) Postlethwaite (Evans 57) Dolly (Ioane 67) Neild De Klerk (Ciff 53) Doherty (Reed 68) Cliff (Curry 74)

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OPTA

OPTA STATS Sale Sharks v Saracens 16 February 19:45

Date: Kick Off:

Top Performers

Top Performers

Total Metres

Total Metres

Byron McGuigan

682

Alex Goode

1365

Mike Haley

627

Jackson Wray

530

Denny Solomona

532

Chris Wyles

422

Jonathan Ross

147

Alex Goode

189

Josh Strauss

110

Jackson Wray

163

Ross Harrison

98

Brad Barritt

99

Total Carries

Total Carries

Total Tackles Jonathan Ross

194

Ross Harrison Ben Curry

Faf de Klerk Ben Spencer 86

Total Carries

39

306

Total Metres

176

53

Tackles

19

Total Tackles 131

20

Missed Tackles

5

Nick Isiekwe

181

3

Tries Scored

6

Calum Clark

123

169

8

Try Assists

2

George Kruis

105

6

Clean Breaks

9

Lineouts Won Bryn Evans

39

16

Defenders Beaten

13

Jonathan Ross

39

8

Offloads

3

Josh Beaumont

21

Lineouts Won Nick Isiekwe

41

George Kruis

39

Maro Itoje

21

Team Stats Scrums

Lineouts

Tries

Open Play

86

Put Ins

83

175

Throw Ins

188

41

Scored

51

141

Av. Tackles

138

80

Won

74

149

Won

173

12

No. 1st Phase

15

17

Av. Misses

20

93

% Won

89

85

% Won

92

13

No. Own Half

8

120

Av. Carries

129

21

Pen Won

22

0

Not Straight

4

17

No. In 1st Half

26

440

Av. Metres

466

7

Won Opp Feed

4

7

Quick Throw

9

24

No. In Second Half

25

21

Av. Def Beaten

21

8

% Opp Feed

4

28

Won Opp Throw

23

20

From Set Piece

36

15

Av. T’Overs Con

14

7

Pen Opp Feed

3

14

% Stolen

13

9

From Turnover

6

10

Av. Pens Con

10

www.salesharks.com | Sharks Life

21

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Game Report

LONDON IRISH 9

SALE SHARKS 13 Attendance: 4497 Referee: Craig Maxwell-Keys Sale Sharks produced a controlled display at the Madejski Stadium to record a deserved second Premiership victory on the road this season and boost the club’s hopes of securing European Champions Cup rugby next term.

A Josh Strauss try together with two Faf de Klerk penalties and a conversion secured the win with the Sharks dominating both territory and possession against rock-bottom Irish.

Though former Sale man Tommy Bell kicked three penalties for the hosts, the Sharks were too strong in every department with Steve Diamond’s side in complete control from the first whistle.

Indeed Sale could have scored several more tries with the Television Match Official Keith Lewis ruling out three separate potential scores for the Sharks.

The conditions were wet, cold and as bleak as Irish’s predicament as the game got underway and Sale soon assumed a vicelike grip on proceedings with scrum-half Faf de Klerk in feisty form and the Sharks pack taking the game to the opposition at every opportunity.

Within two minutes, the Sharks were deservedly ahead from a Faf de Klerk penalty and the South African then almost grabbed a seventh-minute interception as Sale kept up the momentum.

A smart interchange between Sam James and Charnley almost opened up the Irish defence and then another fine upfield kick from James nearly saw Charnley force a try.

The pressure was relentless from the Sharks with Steve Diamond’s side dominating both possession and territory.

And Sale’s superb start was finally rewarded on the halfhour when, from a five-metre scrum and drive, number eight Josh Strauss gathered the ball and smashed his way over the line to score, de Klerk’s conversion stretching Sale into a 10-0 advantage.

Irish had been virtually anonymous as an attacking threat but finally launched a sortie on the Sale line on 34 minutes and were awarded a penalty after Ross Harrison failed to roll away, replacement fly-half Tommy Bell slotting over the three-pointer.

The Sharks though stormed straight back onto the offensive and after referee Craig Maxwell-Keys was caught up in a melee as Ben Curry drove at the line, Sale were awarded another five-metre scrum but couldn’t capitalise.

Sale maintained their domination after the break with Charnley again to the fore and the former Rugby League

man thought he was in for a try on 57 minutes when de Klerk’s kick rebounded back in play off the touchline flag and the winger appeared to touch down only for the TMO to rule Josh had knocked on.

Though Bell reduced arrears with a 60th minute penalty, another de Klerk three-pointer two minutes later restored Sale’s seven-point advantage.

SALE SHARKS

The pressure was incessant from the Sharks and on 68 minutes they thought they had scored when after a Cam Neild break, Faf fed Charnley whose strength took him over the line but the TMO ruled that he was in touch before grounding the ball.

Haley

It was third time unlucky a minute later when Josh Beaumont charged down an Irish clearance kick and replacement George Nott looked to have grounded the ball but again the TMO ruled out the effort.

S James

And when Bell slotted over a 72nd minute penalty after Marc Jones had been sin-binned, the nerves started jangling for the Sharks as Irish sought to stage a grandstand finish.

John

However, Sale kept their nerve to run down the clock and deservedly secure victory to boost their hopes of pushing for a top-four finish while pushing Irish a step neared the relegation trapdoor.

B Curry

Scoring sequence (Irish first): 0-3, 0-8, 0-10, 3-10, 6-10, 6-13, 9-13

Jones (Webber 60)

LONDON IRISH: Marshall, Cokanasiga, Fowlie, McLean, Lewington, Brophy Clewes, van Zyl, Franks, Paice, Hiskins, van der Merwe, Paulo, Botha, NorthcoteGreen, Treviranus Replacements: Fainga’a (Franks 60), Elrington (Paice 60), Du Plessis (Hiskins 60), De Chaves, Cowan (Treviranus 68), Steele (van Zyl 53), Bell (Brophy Clewes 29), Tikoirotuma

Odogwu Addison L James Charnley De Klerk Harrison Webber Evans Beaumont Ross Strauss Replacements: Flynn Aulika (John 60) Nott (Evans 68) Ioane Nield (Ross 63) Cliff (de Klerk 77) Jennings (James 60) Ross (Strauss 71)

www.salesharks.com | Sharks Life

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24

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Player Stats

SHARKS STATS 2017/2018 AVIVA PREMIERSHIP NAME

Apps (Reps)

Will Addison

6(1)

Halani Aulika

1(11)

T 1

7

Josh Charnley

3(4)

1

Will Cliff

1(8)

1

Ben Curry

11(1)

3

Tom Curry

3 (3) 14

EUROPEAN CHALLENGE CUP P DG Apps (Reps) T 2

Josh Beaumont

Faf De Klerk

C

3

1

4

2 1

1

3

3(3) 7

8

2

5

3

Connor Doherty

P 1

DG PTS 9

0(2)

5

2(1)

10

3

1

3(1)

2

3

3

1(1)

10 5

1

49 30

1

74

0(3)

Nic Dolly

0(2)

Bryn Evans

12

3

James Flynn

0(6)

3(1)

3(1)

Mike Haley

8(5)

1

6

3

14

1

3(3)

1

1

Ross Harrison

C

2

5(1) 1

ANGLO WELSH

P DG Apps (Reps) T

3(1) 1(1)

3

C

1

2

5 1

10

3

1

5

1

5

TJ Ioane

0(8)

Luke James

1(1)

1(1)

1

4

Sam James

13

2

5

2

1

Rohan J V Rensburg

4(1)

3

3(1)

15

Mark Jennings

8(3)

2

3

10

WillGriff John

8(1)

2(1)

Marc Jones

2(9)

4(2)

3(1) 1

Curtis Langdon AJ MacGinty Byron McGuigan

9(1)

8

Sam Moore

0 (1)

1

3

Cameron Neild

2(10)

6

2

George Nott

0(5)

4(2)

2(1)

James O'Connor

7(2)

Andrei Ostrikov

1

1

2

2

5

5

1 1

5

0 (2)

Jake Pope

0(3)

Matt Postlethwaite

0(2)

2(2)

Cameron Redpath

3(1)

Arron Reed

3 14

1

0 (2)

Denny Solomona

12

5

5

Josh Strauss

13

2

1

2

0(1)

0 (1)

Matt Sturgess 5 (1)

Rob Webber

11(2)

1

2

1

5

5

1(2)

Alexandru Tarus

1

4

David Seymour

2

35 1

20

2(3)

1(1)

1

5

2(3)

1(1)

1

10

Kieran Wilkinson Marland Yarde

127

10

1(1)

8(5)

5

4

40 1

2

1

10 4

1

Laurence Pearce

Jono Ross

4

1 1

1

Paolo Odogwu

12

1(1) 1(2)

9(2)

26

10 20

1(1) 1

2

1

0 (1)

10

www.salesharks.com | Sharks Life

25

26

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25% OFF

www.salesharks.com | Sharks Life

27

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League Table

LEAGUE TABLE HOW THEY STAND

AVIVA PREMIERSHIP RUGBY POS

RECORD

POINTS

TEAM

P

W

D

L

TB

LB

TOT

1

EXETER CHIEFS

13

10

0

3

8

2

50

2

SARACENS

13

9

0

4

6

3

45

3

WASPS

13

8

0

5

6

1

39

4

GLOUCESTER

13

8

0

5

5

1

38

5

BATH RUGBY

13

7

0

6

6

3

37

6

NEWCASTLE FALCONS

13

8

0

5

4

0

36

7

SALE SHARKS

13

6

0

7

6

3

33

8

LEICESTER TIGERS

13

7

0

6

1

3

32

9

HARLEQUINS

13

6

0

7

5

3

32

10

NORTHAMPTON SAINTS

13

5

0

8

3

3

26

11

WORCESTER WARRIORS

13

3

0

10

4

3

19

12

LONDON IRISH

13

1

0

12

1

5

10

www.salesharks.com | Sharks Life

29

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Tickets Please

TICKETS PLEASE! 2017/2018 HALF SEASON TICKETS What is a Season Ticket?

A Season Ticket is exactly that – a ticket that admits you to all the Sale Sharks home matches for the 2018/2019 season. This includes the 11 Premiership matches, the three European Cup games and the two Anglo Welsh fixtures.

You have the same seat all season, and if the team progress through the group stages of any of those competitions then you will have priority booking to ensure you keep your seat.

What If I can’t attend a match? Will I lose out?

For 2017/18, we will continue with the Season Ticket Seat Exchange scheme for our season ticket holders. This means that if you are unable to attend a match then you can all us up to 72 hours* beforehand and cancel your seat for that match and re-allocate it to another. This will allow you to bring a friend or family member to a game and ensure that you get full value for money from your season ticket as well as introducing them to a great experience.

Here’s how it works.

You need to call Angela Traynor on 0161 667 7519, or email angela.traynor@ salesharks.com and tell us which match you can’t attend. (no closer than 72 hours before the match, and unused ‘matches’ cannot be claimed retrospectively).

We will then cancel that match off your season ticket, making it void for that match. At this point you can then either let us know which

you’d like the extra ticket(s) for and pay the difference, or keep it as ‘pending’ and let us know at a later date which match you can make.

You will then be allocated a paper match ticket(s) for the replacement game a couple of weeks beforehand to be collected on the day from the Ticket Office. *72 hours - this allows us to re-sell your vacated seat PLEASE NOTE - all exchanges must be completed by the end of the 2018/2019 season; they cannot be transferred to or used in the following season. Unused ‘matches’ cannot be claimed retrospectively.

Do I Get Anything Else?

You get 10% discount off all full priced items in the Sale Sharks shop, exclusive ticket offers throughout the year as well as discounts with our sponsors and partners. We are constantly looking to enhance our Season Tickets so benefits may be added through the year.

Do you just do individual Season Ticket?

No, as well as individual season tickets we also have the *Family ones which cover two adults and two under 16’s, and our ‘Two of Us’ one which covers one adult and one under 16. *Family Season Tickets cover the following areas - WEST W01, 02, 07, 08. PRINTERLAND (EAST) E01, 02, 03, 04.

Family Price Categories

Family Match Tickets

Family

Ticket Prices

CAT A

CAT B

CAT C

West

£80.00

£75.00

£70.00

East

£70.00

£60.00

£50.00

Standing

£60.00

£50.00

£40.00

To purchase yours please call Angela Traynor on 0161 667 7519 (not match day) or by emailing Angela.Traynor@salesharks.com to request a call back. Alternatively, you can buy on the day at the Ticket Office.

Our Family Package offers fans the opportunity to bring family members with them to experience the matchday atmosphere at the home of Sale Sharks, at great value. From as little as £40* you’ll get two adult and two junior (U16) tickets, all seated together in the Printerland.co.uk Stand (East).

They are valid for West Stand blocks W01, 02, 07 and 08, and Printerland Stand E01, 02, 05 and 06, and cover the area from the 22 yard line to the try line.

*Based on a CAT C match Standing Family Ticket

www.salesharks.com | Sharks Life

31

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34

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BY JOHN EVERTON

WE’VE

MET BEFORE MOST RECENT SHARKS 29-22 SARACENS: 10 NOV 17

Longbottom, Skelton, Flanagan, Nay, Conlon,

Sale Sharks came from behind to win 29-22,

Crossdale

although the visitors had led 19-13 at the interval

SCORERS:

at the AJ Bell Stadium. Will Skelton crossed the whitewash and fly-half Max Malins kicked a flawless four penalties and a conversion in the first 40 minutes.

But Sale were still in the contest courtesy of Ben

Earl (capt) Replacements: McElroy, Thompson-Stringer, Walker, Cutmore, Reffell, Spencer, Bird-Tulloch,

Sharks – Tries – B.Curry, Tarus, Haley. Con.MacGinty Pens – MacGinty (3), Cliff.

Saracens – Try – Skelton, Con. – Malins, Pens.

– Mallns (5).

the tee also for the hosts.

FIRST GAME HERE SHARKS 16-23 SARACENS: 8 SEP 12

And the Sharks then piled on the pressure which

Ex-Sale fly-half Charlie Hodgson ruined his former

Curry’s 33rd-minute score, and despite another Malins three-pointer early in the second half, AJ MacGinty and Will Cliff both did the business from

paid dividends as Alexandru Tarus and Mike Haley

club’s first match at their new home with 18 points

scored either side of the hour mark to earn them a

for Saracens.

narrow win.

Danny Cipriani drew first blood from the tee at the

Haley’s try was not only the one that sealed

Salford City Stadium but he was quickly outscored

the result for the hosts, but it was also a superb score in its own right. He finished off a sweeping move started by the Sharks in-form wing Byron McGuigan, who grubbered through to cause havoc in the Sarries backfield and find the Sale full-back

by Hodgson who landed four first-half penalties.

Will Addison’s converted try gave Sale the perfect start after the break but the hosts could not build a score. Hodgson’s stretched Saracens’ lead before Chris Ashton’s brilliant team try on the hour proved

who gratefully snaffled a try and celebrated in style

decisive.

with a ‘fins up’ gesture.

After the break it was Sarries’ weakness out wide

Sale: Haley; McGuigan, S.James, Redpath, Reed;

that handed Sale their try as, under pressure of

MacGinty, Cliff; Flynn, Langdon, Tarus, Nott,

the hosts’ blitz defence, Will Fraser patted the ball

and when the ball reached Alex Goode he broke the line and found his winger.

Hodgson’s conversion made it 20-16 threequarters of the way through and eight minutes later he rounded off the scoring for a seven-point win.

Sale: Miller; Addison, Leota, Tuitupou, Cueto; Cipriani, Peel; Lewis-Roberts, Ward, Cobilas, Gray, Myall, Gaskell, Seymour (capt), Vernon.

Replacements: Taylor, Dickinson, Thomas, McKenzie, Doyle, Cliff, Macleod, Uys. Saracens: Goode; Ashton, Tomkins, Barritt, Wyles; Hodgson, Wigglesworth; Vunipola, Brits, Du Plessis, Borthwick (capt), Botha, Brown, Fraser, Joubert.

Replacements: George, Saunders, Nieto, Hargreaves, Wray, de Kock, Farrell, Short.

Postlethwaite, Moore, B.Curry, Strauss (capt)

straight to winger Will Addison. The 20-year-old

Replacements: Jones, Pope, John, Seymour,

to score under the posts.

SCORERS:

Hodgson made it a one-point game on the hour,

Sharks – Try – Addison, Con. – Cipriani, Pens. – Cipriani (3

N.Dolly, Sturgess, Wilkinson, Doherty Saracens: Gallagher; Earle, Segun, Tompkins, Ellery; Malins, Whiteley; Barrington, Spurling,

comfortably outpaced Hodgson’s covering tackle

before Ashton rounded off a superb score that started with a driving maul inside their own half

Saracens – Try – Ashton, Pens. – Hodgson (6) www.salesharks.com | Sharks Life

35

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Supporters Club

SALE SHARKS SUPPORTERS CLUB BRING ON SARACENS……..

After a couple of weeks of the Anglo Welsh Cup and a hard fought victory at London Irish, It’s time to turn our attention to Saracens. We all know how good they are with so much strength in depth but we have got ourselves into a good position to challenge for a Top 4 finish. But first we need to beat some of the teams above us starting with Sarries.

Off the pitch. We held a very successful Question of Sharks night at Winnington Park RUFC. The attendance was very good. Over 100 people turned out to support the event. There was also a good sprinkling of Sharks supporters cheering on our boys. The Sharks team was Marc Jones, AJ MacGinty, Tom and Ben Curry. For WPRUFC we had club captains representing them: Hannah Burt, Ladies’ captain, Clinton du Plessis, ex 3rd team captain, Gaz Williams 2nd team captain and Dave Cross 1st team captain. The evening opened with Dee giving Bios of both teams. A very good icebreaker with much humour and well appreciated by all.

The quiz ended with a finger on buzzers round. However, after a close run thing WP ran out winners 50-45 despite a good final round by Sharks.

Afterwards the audience was rewarded with a chance to have their photo taken with the players and an opportunity to speak with them.

I’d like to thank everybody who took part and also helped organise the event. A big thank you to Winnington Park for hosting the evening.

Fun Bus. There was a successful bus to London Irish with 30 booked on the trip. We are taking bookings for Bath and Northampton. It is looking likely that we will be running a bus to Exeter. We are planning on making this an overnight trip. We have done this over the last few seasons and it has been quite popular.

We are still trying to secure dates from the club for the next social event and also the annual supporter’s club dinner. Watch this space.

Joe Parsonage, Chairman.

The quiz was played in good spirit and very competitive.

The initial picture round had some head scratching with Dewi Morris being the most interesting, having played for both clubs. There were a couple of physical rounds, an egg and spoon race and a wheelbarrow competition.

Fortunately for Sharks, Ben was on hand to represent us.

For the wheelbarrow race there were four very young lads from Winnington who were very keen to take part.

www.salesharks.com | Sharks Life

37

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39

2017

“COMING BACK FITTER & A BETTER PLAYER”

By John Everton

THAT’S WILL ADDISON’S TARGET WHEN HE’S OUT INJURED. JOHN EVERTON FINDS OUT MORE. After his return at Gloucester on the penultimate day of 2017, Will featured in four more games before taking a break in preparation for the final eight Aviva Premiership matches.

With Saracens here tonight, Will is reminded that they were the opposition

Will’s had more than his fair share of spells ‘out with injury’ during his career, and explains, “When injured, my first focus is to get back to fitness. I take pride in what I do on the pitch, so I’m looking into every avenue towards coming back fitter and a better player.”

Park. “I remember the try but remember the defeat more. I’m really looking

It’s been another ‘bitty’ season, appearance-wise, but Will says, “We’ve a good squad. During the Euro and Anglo-Welsh weeks, it was a good time for Dimes to rotate us. A few lads took time out for a break abroad, including Marc Jones and myself – we visited Dubai for a bit of sun.”

For the past three seasons, Will’s been one of the Sharks’ kicking options.

He reveals, “I’ve goal kicked since I was a kid. When I came to Sale, I didn’t think that, with Charlie Hodgson around, I’d be much in demand, so stopped for a while. That spell also coincided with injuries. It was best for my body to leave kicking alone for a while.

“However, I’ve taken it up again for the past three years. I’ve been reaping the dividends of hard work with Jon Callard and Paul Deacon. With AJ out, Faf, Cliffy and I have stepped up. Perhaps other clubs are envious of us, with so many willing to fill the void.”

40

Sharks Life | www.salesharks.com

for the Stadium’s Aviva Premiership opener in 2012. Will claimed the home club’s first try at the venue, to go along with scoring the last one at Edgeley to beat Sarries tonight,” he continues.

Former Saracen Dave Seymour announced the end of his Sharks’ playing career last week, prompting Will to pay this tribute: “He’s been a standout player while I’ve been here, at the forefront of the team and always an inspiration. His hard graft is embodied in the club’s culture.

“Off the field, he’s extremely selfless, generous and probably epitomises what Sale Sharks are all about. Best wishes for the future, Dave: You’ve so much to offer. I think the Curry brothers have learned so much from you.”

Looking ahead to the games at Bath and Northampton, before a break, then a set of five games to finish off the 22-round programme, Will says, “We need to iron out a few faults. We’re close but not quite close enough.

It’s only at Saracens that we haven’t picked up a bonus point in defeat, but we’re looking to change that, maintain the momentum and pull off victories.”

www.salesharks.com | Sharks Life

41

Player Interview

By Neil Leigh

JOSH STRAUSS “THE BEST IS YET TO COME” Josh Strauss talking to Neil Leigh Josh Strauss believes the best is yet to come as Sale Sharks gear up for a defining final few months of the season, starting with tonight’s crunch clash at home to Saracens.

A match-winning try in last Saturday’s crucial 13-9 Premiership win at London Irish was just the latest demonstration of the key impact made by the South African-born number eight since he joined the Sharks from Glasgow Warriors last summer.

That victory at the Madejski Stadium helped move Sale up into sixth place in the table with eight games of the campaign remaining.

Tonight’s visit of Mark McCall’s reigning European champions promises to be a challenge of a different magnitude to that of rock-bottom Irish.

But Josh believes the Sharks’ growing confidence and momentum has left the club ideally placed as we enter the business end of the season.

“Our game at Saracens at the start of the season sort of showed where we were as a team. We were fine at home but didn’t do so well on the road but I think if we were to play that match now it would be much a closer, tougher game.

“But we know that in order to become a big dog, we’ve got to beat the current big dogs.”

Ahead of his departure from Glasgow last year, there was no shortage of interest in the 31-yearold’s services.

But the vision and ambition demonstrated by the Sharks convinced the Scotland international that a move to Manchester would be the ideal destination.

And Josh said everything that he had experienced since he moved to Sale had only convinced him that he had made the right choice.

“But from what I can see at the club, that is changing. We’re becoming a club where people don’t have to move on for whatever the reason and won’t want to have to move on.

“Success drives that and when you are a youngster, the better the team does, the more you want to be a part of it.”

Off the field, Josh is also enjoying life, having immediately settled to his new surroundings in Cheshire with his young family.

And he says the help and attention to detail afforded him by Sale’s director of rugby Steve Diamond and his backroom team following Josh’s move last summer helped ensure the transition from life in Scotland was a seamless one.

“In terms of moving down here last summer, it all went very smoothly for me and I got so much help from everyone at the club,” Josh recalled.

“One of the things that really excited me about coming to Sale was the vision for the club,” Josh added.

“Dimes is involved in everything here. Any question you have about anything, he knows someone. He’s helped me out a lot in terms of looking at a new property, getting people in to do work on it… it’s only small things but in terms of rugby it’s the sort of stuff that the public don’t see.

“In the first half of the season, the perception was maybe that we didn’t do that well but we’re sixth in the league and from fourth all the way down it’s so tight and congested.

“Initially, you have a lot of options when you are looking at a new contract. So when I came down and had a chat to Dimes, he explained to me what was going on.

“They see the side’s performance and things either go exceptionally or not that well, but they don’t see the things behind the scene that have the most impact on a player’s mindset.

“Obviously, in a perfect world we would have won every game but we’re quite happy with where we are right now.

“Sometimes things you hear may not be the truth but one thing I’ve been really impressed since coming to Sale, is that it has been bang on. I can see that vision and what the club is trying to do.

“If those things go smoothly, it’s easier to come to training and to perform.

“At the start of the season we sort of broke it up into blocks and as we step up this latest block of games, we’re sat where we want to be,” Josh revealed.

“But though we are in a comfortable position, we can’t get comfortable. We’ve got to carry on working hard and try to build on what we’ve done this season.

“Earlier in the season I felt like it just wasn’t quite clicking and we just weren’t quite getting those crucial wins.

“Now it feels like it’s starting to click. I feel like we’re in a good position and, hopefully, it can only get better.

42

“To get into the top four, which is the ultimate goal, you’ve got to beat those teams and there are probably four or five of them.

Sharks Life | www.salesharks.com

“It’s bearing a bit of fruit maybe even earlier than people expected. I’m not saying we are world-beaters yet – but it’s getting to a point where are putting ourselves in a good position.

“Before I joined the club, I heard a lot about the Sale Academy and the players who had come through. But on the flip side of that I had heard that quite a few had come through the system and moved on.

“Fortunately, I’ve not experienced it myself but with some coaches the personal aspect of general life sort of gets passed by, even though it has a massive affect on your time at the club and your performance.

“But if you are happy in your own skin and in your club environment with your friends things just go more smoothly.

“You don’t have to worry about other things –it’s just about performance. And from my point of view, my time at the club has been great so far.”

Player Interview

YOU DON’T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT OTHER THINGS - IT’S JUST ABOUT PERFORMANCE. AND FROM MY POINT OF VIEW, MY TIME AT THE CLUB HAS BEEN GREAT SO FAR.

www.salesharks.com | Sharks Life

43

Squad 2017/2018

SALE SHARKS S QUA D S PONSORS 20 1 7 /2 0 1 8 WILL ADDISON

HALANI AULIKA

JOSH BEAUMONT

JOSH CHARNLEY

WILL CLIFF

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

Position: Winger/Centre/Full Back Height (metric): 1.85m Height (lmp): 6ft 1in Weight (metric): 96kg Weight (lmp): 15st 1lb DOB: 20/08/92 Honours:

Position: Second Row/ Back Row Height (metric): 2m Height (lmp): 6ft 7in Weight (metric): 113kg Weight (lmp): 17st 8lb DOB: 24/03/92 Honours:

Position: Winger Height (metric): 1.81m Height (lmp): 6ft Weight (metric): 97kg Weight (lmp): 15st 3lb DOB: 26/06/91 Honours: England RL

Position: Scrum Half Height (metric): 1.78m Height (lmp): 5ft 8in Weight (metric): 85kg Weight (lmp): 13st 4lb DOB: 17/10/88 Honours:

BEN CURRY

TOM CURRY

CONNOR DOHERTY

NIC DOLLY

BRYN E VA N S

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

Position: Flanker Height (metric): 1.89m Height (lmp): 6ft 2in Weight (metric): 103kg Weight (lmp): 15st 3lb DOB: 15/06/98 Honours:

44

Position: Prop Height (metric): 1.85m Height (lmp): 6ft 1in Weight (metric): 130kg Weight (lmp): 20st 6lb DOB: 31/08/83 Honours: Tonga

Position: Flanker Height (metric): 1.85m Height (lmp): 6ft 1in Weight (metric): 105kg Weight (lmp): 15st 8lb DOB: 15/06/98 Honours: England

Sharks Life | www.salesharks.com

Position: Wing Height (metric): 1.88m Height (lmp): 6ft 1in Weight (metric): 85kg Weight (lmp): 13st 5lb DOB: Honours:

Position: Hooker/Flanker Height (metric): 1.78m Height (lmp): 5ft 10in Weight (metric): 98kg Weight (lmp): 15st 6lb DOB: 11/6/99 Honours:

Position: Second Row Height (metric): 1.96m Height (lmp): 6ft 5in Weight (metric): 114kg Weight (lmp): 17st 13lb DOB: 28/10/84 Honours: New Zealand

Squad 2017/2018

JAMES FLYNN

MIKE HALEY

ROSS HARRISON

TJ IOANE

LUKE JAMES

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

Position: Prop Height (metric): 1.83m Height (lmp): 6ft Weight (metric): 120kg Weight (lmp): 18st 7lb DOB: 05/10/93 Honours:

Position: Full Back Height (metric): 1.89m Height (lmp): 6ft 2in Weight (metric): 91kg Weight (lmp): 14st 3lb DOB: 28/06/94 Honours:

Position: Prop Height (metric): 1.86m Height (lmp): 6ft 1in Weight (metric): 111kg Weight (lmp): 17st 6lb DOB: 03/09/92 Honours:

Position: Back Row Height (metric): 1.83m Height (lmp): 6ft Weight (metric): 104kg Weight (lmp): 16st 5lb DOB: 09/05/89 Honours: Samoa

Position: Centre Height (metric): 1.92m Height (lmp): 6ft 4in Weight (metric): 90kg Weight (lmp): 14st 4lb DOB: 18/03/99 Honours:

SAM JAMES

MARK JENNINGS

WILLGRIFF JOHN

MARC JONES

FA F DE KLERK

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

Position: Centre Height (metric): 1.92m Height (lmp): 6ft 4in Weight (metric): 94kg Weight (lmp): 14st 11lb DOB: 03/07/94 Honours:

Position: Centre Height (metric): 1.83m Height (lmp): 6ft Weight (metric): 97kg Weight (lmp): 15st 3lb DOB: 27/02/93 Honours:

Position: Prop Height (metric): 1.9m Height (lmp): 6ft 2in Weight (metric): 126kg Weight (lmp): 19st 8lb DOB: 04/12/92 Honours:

Position: Hooker Height (metric): 1.88m Height (lmp): 6ft 2in Weight (metric): 109kg Weight (lmp): 17st DOB: 03/04/87 Honours:

Position: Scrum Half Height (metric): 1.73m Height (lmp): 5ft 8in Weight (metric): 80kg Weight (lmp): 12st 5lb DOB: 19/10/91 Honours: South Africa

www.salesharks.com | Sharks Life

45

Squad 2017/2018

SALE SHARKS S QUA D S PONSORS 20 1 7 /2 0 1 8 CURTIS LANGDON

JOHNNY LEOTA

AJ MACGINTY

BYRON MCGUIGAN

CAMERON NEILD

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

Position: Hooker Height (metric): 1.83m Height (lmp): 6ft Weight (metric): 104kg Weight (lmp): 16st 5lb DOB: 03/08/97 Honours:

Position: Fly Half Height (metric): 1.85m Height (lmp): 6ft 1in Weight (metric): 95kg Weight (lmp): 14st 12lb DOB: 26/02/90 Honours: USA

Position: Winger/Full Back Height (metric): 1.83m Height (lmp): 6ft Weight (metric): 93kg Weight (lmp): 14st 6lbs DOB: 20/08/89 Honours: Scotland

Position: Hooker Height (metric): 1.83m Height (lmp): 6ft Weight (metric): 109kg Weight (lmp): 17st DOB: 06/09/94 Honours:

GEORGE NOTT

JAMES O’CONNOR

PA O L O ODOGWU

ANDREI OSTRIKOV

JAKE POPE

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

Position: Second Row Height (metric): 1.97m Height (lmp): 6ft 5in Weight (metric): 115kg Weight (lmp): 18st 1lb DOB: 21/01/96 Honours:

46

Position: Centre Height (metric): 1.83m Height (lmp): 6ft Weight (metric): 103kg Weight (lmp): 16st 3lb DOB: 21/01/84 Honours: Samoa

Position: Fly-Half Height (metric): 1.8m Height (lmp): 5ft 11in Weight (metric): 90kg Weight (lmp): 14st 2lb DOB: 05/07/90 Honours: Australia

Sharks Life | www.salesharks.com

Position: Winger Height (metric): 1.73m Height (lmp): 5ft 8in Weight (metric): 87kg Weight (lmp): 13st 7lb DOB: 18/02/97 Honours:

Position: Second Row Height (metric): 1.98m Height (lmp): 6ft 6in Weight (metric): 118kg Weight (lmp): 18st 6lb DOB: 02/07/87 Honours: Russia

Position: Prop Height (metric): 1.83m Height (lmp): 6ft Weight (metric): 123kg Weight (lmp): 19st 3lb DOB: 20/08/97 Honours:

Squad 2017/2018

M AT T P O S T L E T H WA I T E

JONO ROSS

CAMERON R E D PAT H

ARRON REED

DAV I D SEYMOUR

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

Position: Second Row Height (metric): 1.91m Height (lmp): 6ft 3in Weight (metric): 107kg Weight (lmp): 16st 8lb DOB: 01/10/96 Honours:

Position: Back Row Height (metric): 6ft 3in Height (lmp): 6ft 4in Weight (metric): 110kg Weight (lmp): 17st 6lb DOB: 27/10/90 Honours:

Position: Utility Back Height (metric): 1.84m Height (lmp): 5ft 11in Weight (metric): 89kg Weight (lmp): 14st DOB: 23/12/99 Honours:

Position: Wing Height (metric): 1.78m Height (lmp): 5ft 10in Weight (metric): 89kg Weight (lmp): 13st 4lb DOB: 10/07/99 Honours:

Position: Flanker Height (metric): 1.82m Height (lmp): 5ft 11in Weight (metric): 84kg Weight (lmp): 15st 3lb DOB: 27/09/84 Honours:

DENNY SOLOMONA

JOSH STRAUSS

M AT T STURGESS

ALEXANDRU TARUS

ROB WEBBER

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

Position: Winger Height (metric): 1.83m Height (lmp): 6ft Weight (metric): 91kg Weight (lmp): 14st 3lb DOB: 27/10/93 Honours: England

Position: Back Row Height (metric): 1.93m Height (lmp): 6ft 4in Weight (metric): 114kg Weight (lmp): 17st 8lb DOB: 23/10/86 Honours: Scotland

Position: Scrum Half Height (metric): 1.76m Height (lmp): 5ft 9in Weight (metric): 79kg Weight (lmp): 12st 5lb DOB: 6/10/98 Honours:

Position: Prop Height (metric): 1.84m Height (lmp): 6ft Weight (metric): 125kg Weight (lmp): 19st 9lb DOB: 09/05/89 Honours: Romania

Position: Hooker Height (metric): 1.83m Height (lmp): 6ft Weight (metric): 116kg Weight (lmp): 18st 4lb DOB: 01/08/86 Honours: England

www.salesharks.com | Sharks Life

47

Squad 2017/2018

KIERAN WILKINSON

SAM MOORE

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

Position: Fly Half Height (metric): 1.79m Height (lmp):5ft 9in Weight (metric): 84kg Weight (lmp): 13st 3lb DOB: 03/10/99 Honours:

MARLAND YARDE

Position: Back Row Height (metric): 1.96m Height (lmp): 6ft 5in Weight (metric): 109kg Weight (lmp): 17st DOB: 09/09/98 Honours:

48

PETE ANGLESEA

MIKE F O R S H AW

DIRECTOR OF RUGBY

F O R WA R D S C OAC H

DEFENCE COACH

JON CALLARD

DAN RICHMOND

NEIL BRIGGS

KICKING/SKILLS COACH

SCRUM COACH

ACADEMY TRANSITION COACH

RICKY S WA B Y

LUKE ISSAKAS

ROB SIMPSON

HEAD OF SPORTS SCIENCE

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COACH

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COACH

ROHAN JANSE VA N R E N S B U R G

SPONSORED BY

Position: Wing Height (metric): 1.84m Height (lmp):6ft Weight (metric): 96kg Weight (lmp): 15st 2lb DOB: 20/04/92 Honours: England

STEVE DIAMOND

SPONSORED BY

Position: Centre Height (metric): 1.85m Height (lmp): 6ft 1in Weight (metric): 109kg Weight (lmp): 17st 2lb DOB: 11/09/94 Honours: South Africa

Sharks Life | www.salesharks.com

Squad 2017/2018

PA U L DEACON

N AV D E E P S I N G H SANDHU

ETHAN STAMP

HUGH JENNER

ROB HEALD

AT TA C K / SKILLS COACH

HEAD PHYSIOTHERAPIST

PHYSIOTHERAPIST

HEAD OF PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS

ASSISTANT PERFORMANCE ANALYST

ALAN BLEASE

JOHN K I R K PAT R I C K

ROBBIE DICKSON

PETE ALLEN

SCOTT NEEDHAM

KIT MANAGER

HEAD OF STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COACH

ASSISTANT KIT MANAGER

ASSISTANT KIT MANAGER

TEAM MANAGER

OFFICIAL SPONSOR OF THE CONCUSSION BIN

www.salesharks.com | Sharks Life

49

Behind The Scenes

BEHIND THE SCENES: THE KITMEN PART 2 CONTINUING TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT KIT MANAGER ALAN BLEASE AND HIS ASSISTANTS ROBBIE DICKSON AND PETE ALLEN…………

In Part 1, we learned about how ’the lads’ became involved with the club, their matchday routines, the ‘characters’ at other clubs (including Roy at Sarries), and the extremes in player sizes.

There was so much content that we split the chat into two halves, so here’s part 2..John Everton is asking the questions.

Do artificial pitches mean that the kit is less dirty?

It’s swings and roundabouts! I don’t know what they do to that Worcester pitch, but the kit comes back worse than if they’d played on grass. The other two – Newcastle and Saracens – are OK. Gloucester was muddy in December, but with a hybrid pitch coming in, things should be better.

Dressing room floors can be very messy after matches Yes – tape, strapping, mud, plastic bottles: but we take two brushes in our white van, home and away, There are boys who are tidier than others..

Come on, name names!

Well.. AJ, Sammy T., ‘The Islanders’ in general, Bryn, and the South Africans – Faf & Rohan.

(AB) My only concern is: are we creeping towards a football mentality?

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Sharks Life | www.salesharks.com

(PA) Some players, when they come here, are shocked to find that we provide training gear! They say they didn’t get that at their last clubs.

What equipment have you got tucked away at Carrington?

Three washers and five dryers. In the past, we used to hang kit on a line.

Now, it’s drip dry.

What are your favourite and least favourite strips in recent seasons?

(PA) My least favourite was the orange. I quite like the neon high viz yellow.

(RD) I didn’t like the orange or the Canterbury kit.

(AB) I don’t like anything where the material or sizing makes it uncomfortable for the players to wear. I always like shirts with a bit of tradition – the old blue & white hoops somewhere! Having said that, I did like the Canterbury Euro kit of 2012-13: sky blue & white, designed by a fan.

Do you ever receive thanks for the job you do?

On average, 2 to 3 players stop to thank us. Magnus Lund was always polite and appreciative. AJ MacGinty of the present crop.

Quiz Time

SALE SHARKS HALF TIME QUIZ THIS MATCH TAKES PLACE DURING THE 6 NATIONS TOURNAMENT AND SO THE QUIZ QUESTIONS ALL RELATE TO SALE PLAYERS WHO HAVE PLAYED INTERNATIONAL RUGBY 1. CHARLIE HODGSON SCORED 44 POINTS ON HIS INTERNATIONAL DEBUT, BUT WHO WERE ENGLAND PLAYING THAT DAY 2. ANOTHER SALE PLAYER ALSO MADE HIS ENGLAND DEBUT IN THAT MATCH SCORING A TRY. NAME HIM 3. STEVE HANLEY ONLY PLAYED ONCE FOR ENGLAND SCORING A TRY AGAINST WHOM 4. ANOTHER SALE PLAYER MADE HIS INTERNATIONAL DEBUT IN THE SAME MATCH AS HANLEY. NAME HIM 5. HOW MANY APPEARANCES DID MARK CUETO MAKE FOR ENGLAND 6. AGAINST WHOM DID BYRON MCGUIGAN SCORE 2 TRIES IN THE 2017 AUTUMN INTERNATIONALS 7. JASON ROBINSON LAST PLAYED FOR SALE IN 2007 BUT CAME OUT OF RETIREMENT TO PLAY FOR WHICH NORTH WEST TEAM 8. TWO SALE PLAYERS WHO REPRESENTED THEIR COUNTRY IN THE 70’S AND 80’S ARE NOW SALE SHARKS DIRECTORS. NAME THEM 9. SEBASTIEN CHABAL LEFT SALE AND RETURNED TO FRANCE IN 2009 TO PLAY FOR WHICH FRENCH CLUB 10. BEN COHEN JOINED SHARKS FROM WHICH FRENCH CLUB IN 2009 1. Romania 2. Alex Sanderson 3. Wales 4. Barrie-Jon Mather 5. 55 6. Australia 7. Fylde 8. Fran Cotton and Steve Smith 9. Racing Metro 10. Brive www.salesharks.com | Sharks Life

51

Academy

academy matters OUR UNDER-18 ACADEMY SIDE FOLLOWED UP THEIR VICTORY OVER NEWCASTLE WITH WINS AGAINST WORCESTER AND NORTHAMPTON. PHIL CROW REPORTS: SALE SHARKS WARRIORS

66-17

WORCESTER

Sale Sharks ran in ten tries by ten different scorers in a comprehensive victory. After Worcester had taken an early lead through Max Baggs, Sale replied through Ciaran Booth who showed a clean pair of heels to dot down with Tom Curtis converting to put Sale two points ahead.

Worcester regained the lead with a brilliant solo effort from Noah Heward. The conversion was again missed. Sale quickly regained the lead again following the restart with Bevan Rodd powering over.

The 27th minute sparked a flurry of three tries in four minutes from James Harper, James Rooney and Tom Walsh, all converted by Curtis making the half time score 33-10.

Sale stood firm against the early second half pressure before another ten minute burst saw the home side cross the white wash a further four times!! Rouban Birch started it off with a wonderful solo effort. Connor Doherty was next over in the corner, before some sublime offloads saw Ewan Ashman dash in under the posts. Sam Dugdale ended the ten minute onslaught from close range with Curtis adding three conversions.

The spirited Warriors pulled a try back through Rob Lester with Josh Phipps adding another two points to their total, but it was Sale who had the last say through Cal Ford, with the front

row finding space in the Worcester backline to go over. Curtis rounded things off with the conversion.

NORTHAMPTON SHARKS

SAINTS

12-26

SALE

The young Sharks claimed a winning bonus point with a last minute try by Rouban Birch. Sale started the match brightly and got their rewards through Gus Warr on 8 minutes. The scrum half dummied a pass from the base of the ruck creating space to run through before dotting down, with Tom Curtis adding two more points from the touchline.

Northampton started to get back into the game and found a try of their own after a scramble in midfield. Sam Cappaert managed to kick through a loose ball and chase down to score.

Tyler Mills levelled things up from the tee. Saints then took the lead with a strong maul seeing Samson Ma’asi touch down following a lineout.

The conversion was missed, leaving the scoreline 12-7 to the Saints at half-time.

Sale won a penalty from the kick off. Possession was turned into points with Teddy Leatherbarrow forcing his way over from a scrum 5m out. Curtis converted to put Sale up by two.

The young Sharks managed to break down the Saints’ defence once again on 52 minutes. They created an overlap down the right wing where Bevan Rodd was waiting for the simplest of finishes after good hands to get the ball wide.

The Sale defence stood firm and managed to turn the ball over. The turnover was kicked on by Sale and a tremendous chase led to a penalty, with Wilkinson kicking for the corner a minute from time. The Sharks were rewarded with a bonus point try as Rouban Birch crossed from the resulting line out, Curtis adding the conversion to end the game, his side’s third on the run.

UNDER 18 LEAGUE

NORTHERN CONFERENCE FIXTURES Fri 5 Jan Leicester Tigers L.6-16 Sat 13 Jan Wasps L.19-22 19/20/21 Jan Newcastle W.33-14 Sun 4 Feb Worcester Warriors W.66-17 Sat 10 Feb Northampton Saints W.26-12 Sun 18 Feb Yorkshire Carnegie at MMU Platt Lane (14.00) Finals Day: Sat 18 March at Sixways, Worcester

For SatNav: MMU Platt Lane Complex is M14 7UU

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Sharks Life | www.salesharks.com

Angie’s Blog

Angie’s Blog

. . .

E S U O L U O T OR BUST rt 2

By Angela Traynor

Pa

DAY TWO AND IT’S MATCH DAY! After petit déjeuner at the café around the corner from the hotel we walked through the streets towards the Marché Victor Hugo, the indoor food market. After perusing the stalls we decided to have some oysters (9€ euro for 6 with a glass of wine), 6 crevettes (9€) and some brown shrimps (3€). Today’s mission was lunch upstairs in the market and dead on 12 o’clock we found a table for 6 at Le Magret and perused the menu. I went with Dorade (Bream in English) which came with razor clams, mussels and tagliatelle in a garlicky oil, and followed it with café gourmand; an espresso coffee, mini tiramisu, mini crème brulée and a small slice of tarte tatin. Oh! So good!

From here we went downstairs and had a small glass of local wine at one of the bars in the market, which was getting ready to close for the day. Glasses drained, we set off to get the Metro to the stop where we picked up the shuttle bus but on the way passed the carousel in the square, and the temptation was too much for Jo, Rae and I. When it stopped I got off and asked where Col and Chris were – “In the bar having a drink.” We were only on it a couple of minutes!

You think the AJ Bell is in the wilderness?

It took about 10 minutes on the tram then a hundred yard walk to the shuttle bus. This then bounced along the road for another 10

minutes or so, depositing us in a dark street. We followed the crowds on a half mile walk past a couple of industrial units, along the side of the Canal Lateral and its muddy towpath, over a bridge, past a traveller encampment, under the A602, and then finally through a car park to the stadium itself. In the rain. And the wind.

And the dark.

whole place in a grey, damp misery, eventually

Throughout the match the wind persisted down and the wind howled giving the impression we were back in Salford. One note about French stadia, they may have decent food and drink but the toilets? They don’t have the sit down variety like we do, just those dreadful ‘squatting pans’ with a hole in the floor. Awful things. Postmatch we re-traced our steps back to the shuttle bus and metro in the same foul weather, and went back to De Danu for a couple of drinks and some food.

the evening.

On Sunday we got the train back to Carcassonne, and arrived to find even windier and wetter weather than we had left in Toulouse. After a walk to the hotel, we went over the Pont Vieux to the walled city and Jo pointed out a huddle of Coypu on the foot of the bridge arch. They look like a big fat rats, and grow up to three feet long, including the tail. We continued the hike up the hill, and entered the city over the drawbridge. Water cascaded down the roads and enveloped the

forcing us to take shelter to get warm and have lunch. The €13.99 menu was great value, and as we left I took the opportunity to wring out the sleeves of my sodden coat which yielded about a gallon each. Going downhill was easier though the weather was the same and we went back and got changed before we went out for

We ended up in Le Cochon Noir – the Black Pig, a strange little bar but the only one we could find open. A huge spider’s web made from Sellotape, a doll on a swing with a 6” bolt through its head, real candles in candelabra, but the wine was okay and the bottled beers passed muster. When we left there was only us and the man behind the bar was asleep, so after giving him a good few shakes and saying “Monsieur!” I gave him a light splash with some water which did the trick. I also blew the candles out too before the place burned down.

Another special weekend with great mates, excellent food and lots of laughs – highly recommended!

Today I’d like to welcome Dave and the members of the Saracens Supporters Association who have made the trip to the AJ Bell, and hope you have an enjoyable evening (but not too much!). www.salesharks.com | Sharks Life

53

KNOW THE SCORE! LIVE SCORES, TEAM NEWS & HIGHLIGHTS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS EVERY CLUB. EVERY COMPETITION.

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Rugby.

Tackled.

Get expert analysis and insight from our team of writers and ex-players, including Ben Kay, Stuart Barnes, Stephen Jones and Owen Slot.

For quality rugby coverage subscribe to The Times and The Sunday Times at thetimes.co.uk

www.salesharks.com | Sharks Life

55

AVIVA PREMIERSHIP RUGBY HIGHLIGHTS SUNDAYS 8PM

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View From The Touchline

VIEW FROM THE TOUCHLINE: JONATHAN IRWELL JONATHAN IRWELL OFFERS A LIGHTHEARTED LOOK AT THE WIDE WORLD OF RUGBY, SPORT AND LIFE IN GENERAL

Awards time! It’s often said: “Don’t believe all you read in the papers”

Wasn’t in a paper but on a rugby website: “(Scarlets’) Head coach Euros

and, with February only six days old, the leading contenders were:

Evans handed 24 players their debuts with many putting up impressive

Bronze: The BBC were sloppy – not for the first time – in their reporting of

performances.” Not in one match, I trust. It seems that maths isn’t a

the club announcement last week which read: “Sale Sharks can confirm that after a distinguished nine-year spell, David

strong point in South Wales, bearing in mind the official estimation of “10 yards back..”

Seymour has called time on his career with the club in order to further

Famous names: On the pitch against Saints, we had Redpath, Beaumont

concentrate on his business career development.”

and Grayson. All chips off the old blocks.

Within an hour, this converted to: “Sale Sharks flanker David Seymour has retired from rugby union, ending a 15-year career in the sport.”

Bit of a difference there. It wouldn’t surprise me if he’s tempted one day to turn out for Chinnor or Coventry – he’s as fit as the proverbial butcher’s canine.

Silver: First of two from ‘The Rugby Paper’ of Sunday 4th February where Sale Sharks were again linked with Kyle Eastmond. Yet at the foot of the piece, in true contradictory fashion, it was reported that the club had

French Sharks: Extra names for the list published in the Lyon programme could be Valentin Courrent, Kevin Yates, Benoit Bourrust, Epi Taione and Rory Lamont.

shown no interest. Eh?

Baah! Asked Saints’ kitman Kevin if he’d

Gold: Again, The Rugby Paper, where Sale Sharks are reported to have

seen Jim Mallinder lately. The reply was,

scored six tries against Scarlets, both in the headline and opening paragraph. Further down, Mike Forshaw refers to ‘seven tries’: ‘Forsh’ is correct, and they were scored by seven different players, did you notice.

Bravo to the Ticket Office! Well done to the friendly and helpful staff who rescued a prominent member of the South Stand massive when he discovered that his season ticket was “even then being recycled into toilet tissue” along with newspapers at 0930 hrs on matchday. A brand new replacement was available before kick off time.

Not quite the Gospel truth: After 74 minutes against the Saints, Sale

“He’s going to be busy at lambing time soon.”

Apparently, Kevin has 60 sheep, and ‘Sir’ Jim has a dozen of his own.

Jets fans: Aviva ‘A’ League action features Jets home games against Tigers on Monday 12th March (7.30), and v.Worcester the following week.

Both before our next Sharks’ home game when the Warriors arrive on the 24th of March.

Allez Requins!

Sharks had Matthew, Marc, Luke and John on the pitch! Postlethwaite,

Any views expressed on this page are those of the author, not

Jones, James and WillGriff, to name names!

necessarily the club

www.salesharks.com | Sharks Life

57

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Away With The Team

AWAY WITH THE TEAM SCARLETS FRIDAY 2ND FEBRUARY 19.05 K-O If you want tickets for this match then please contact me with your name, how many you need and a contact telephone number as soon as possible. I have requested an allocation in the Intermédiaire Hault and they are £35 for Adults and £18 for Under 18’s.

LONDON IRISH SATURDAY 10TH FEBRUARY 15.00 K-O

BATH RUGBY SATURDAY 24TH FEBRUARY 14.30 K-O

You can book tickets by calling 0118 968 1016 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 5pm) or visiting www.lidirect.co.uk. To sit with other Sale Sharks’ supporters then LI suggest Y24 in the reserved seats and Y25 in the unreserved seats.

Of all the Premiership grounds this one raises the most talking points. The Dyson Stand on the side (where our requested ticket allocation usually is) is an uncovered temporary structure. In fact there are only two covered stands and three permanent, as the Recreation Ground during the summer is exactly that – playing fields with a cricket pitch. There is also the Thantchers terraced (standing) area but the Bath supporters all have their own favourite standing spot so be prepared to be scowled at. The location of the ground and the view from the stand cannot be beaten by any other, being situated beside the river and within sight of Bath Abbey.

Advanced prices are available until 11.30pm on the day before the game.

Parking is available for £10 at the stadium and can be booked in advance until 3pm on the Wednesday before the game from www.lidirect.co.uk or by calling 0118 968 1016 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 5pm) or on arrival at the stadium on match day subject to availability.

The Millennium Madejski Hotel which is attached to the stadium offers a 25% discount for rugby supporters on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights which can be booked through www.millenniumhotels.com/en/reading/millennium-madejskihotel-reading/ or by calling 01189 253 500 and using the code: Irish1898 subject to availability.

Advance

Matchday

Advance

RESERVED

STANDING – Thatchers Terrace SEATED – Dyson (East) Stand Block EH, uncovered - BRONZE **ALLOCATION WILL BE HELD UNTIL 16TH FEB, AFTER THAT DATE ANY REMAINING SEATS WILL GO ON OPEN SALE** To book please call Bath direct on 0844 448 1865.

Matchday Adult

UNRESERVED

Conc

Jnr

Adult

£32

£36

Adult

£23

£26

Gold

£

49.00

£ 45.00

£ 25.00

AFES/65+

£26

£29

AFES/65+

£19

£21

Silver

£

45.00

£ 40.00

£

15.00

18-25

£20

£22

18-25

£14

£16

Bronze

£

40.00

£ 35.00

£

15.00

13-17

£13

£14

13-17

£9

£10

Blue

£

35.00

£ 30.00

£

10.00

12 & Under

£4

£5

12 & Under

£3

£4

Terrace

£

30.00

£ 25.00

£

10.00

NORTHAMPTON SAINTS SATURDAY 3RD MARCH 15.00 K-O

NEWCASTLE FALCONS FRIDAY 13TH APRIL 19.45 K-O

There are tickets reserved in Block 23 at the Bronze rate of Adults £28. The go on sale on Saturday 20th January, and to book please call 01604 581000 and ask for the Sale Sharks supporter allocation in Block 23.

We have an allocation of tickets in the West Stand, Block C, and details are as follows -

There are also terrace tickets available and they are priced at £23 each.

If you want to sign up for my away ticket and travel information email then please email me via Angela.Traynor@salesharks.com and I will add you to my personal distribution list. When tickets go on sale I will email you with the link, the away ticket office number and any other information including travel, hotels, pubs and restaurants.

West Stand (Covered seated) - £25 adults Alternatively, if you prefer to stand then there are two options – South Stand (Covered standing) - £22 adults North Stand (Uncovered Standing) - £15 adults They do have tickets for Under 16s and Concession rates (65+/full time student) and tickets can be booked by calling the Ticket Office on 0871 226 6060. www.salesharks.com | Sharks Life

59

Fixtures & Results

SALE SHARKS FI X T URE S & RESULTS Date

Opposition

H/A

Comp

KO

TV

Prop

Hooker

Prop

Lock

Lock

Flanker

Flanker

No. 8

Score

Att

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

SEPTEMBER

B CURRY T STRAUSS T

Sat 2

Wasps

A

AP

3:00pm

35-50

12,018

HARRISON

WEBBER

AULIKA

EVANS

BEAUMONT

ROSS

Fri 8

Newcastle Falcons

H

AP

7:45pm BT

12-13

4,510

HARRISON

NEILD

TARUS

BEAUMONT

OSTRIKOV

ROSS

T CURRY

STRAUSS

Fri 15

London Irish

H

AP

8:00pm

36-7

4,572 HARRISON T

JONES

TARUS

EVANS

BEAUMONT

ROSS

B CURRY

STRAUSS

Sat 23

Saracens

A

AP

3:00pm

13-41

9,223

HARRISON

WEBBER

TARUS

EVANS

BEAUMONT

ROSS

T CURRY

STRAUSS

Fri 29

Gloucester

H

AP

8:00pm

57-10

5,123

HARRISON

WEBBER

TARUS

EVANS

BEAUMONT

ROSS

B CURRY

STRAUSS STRAUSS

OCTOBER

Fri 6

Harlequins

A

26-42

14,128

HARRISON

JONES

TARUS

EVANS

BEAUMONT

ROSS

B CURRY

Fri 13

Toulouse

H

ERC 1 8:00pm

AP

7:45pm BT

20-20

5,474

HARRISON

WEBBER

AULIKA

EVANS T

OSTRIKOV

NEILD

B CURRY

ROSS

Fri 20

Lyon

A

ERC 2

7:30pm

24-27

12,863 HARRISON

WEBBER

JOHN

EVANS T

OSTRIKOV

NEILD

B CURRY

MOORE

Fri 27

Exeter Chiefs

H

AP

7:45pm BT

6-10

6,490

WEBBER

JOHN

EVANS

OSTRIKOV

ROSS

T CURRY

STRAUSS

HARRISON

NOVEMBER

Fri 3

Worcester Warriors

A

AW 1

7.45pm

24-21

6,081

FLYNN

NEILD

JOHN

NOTT

POSTLETHWAITE

IOANE T

B CURRY T

MOORE

Fri 10

Saracens

H

AW 2

8:00pm

29-22

4,273

FLYNN

LANGDON

TARUS T

NOTT

POSTLETHWAITE

MOORE

B CURRY T

STRAUUS

Sun 19

Leicester Tigers

A

AP

3:00pm

27-35

Sat 25

Northampton Saints

H

AP

5:30pm

18-15

AP

WEBBER

JOHN

EVANS

OSTRIKOV

ROSS T

B CURRY T

STRAUSS

5132

HARRISON

WEBBER

JOHN

EVANS

OSTRIKOV

ROSS

B CURRY T

STRAUSS STRAUSS

20,056 HARRISON

DECEMBER

Fri 1

Worcester Warriors

A

3:00pm

18-14

7327

HARRISON

WEBBER

JOHN

EVANS

OSTRIKOV

ROSS

B CURRY

Sat 9

Cardiff Blues

H

ERC 3 3:.00pm

24-0

5494

HARRISON

JONES T

JOHN

NOTT

OSTRIKOV

NEILD

B CURRY

ROSS

Sun 17

Cardiff Blues

A

ERC 4

6-14

4974

FLYNN

JONES

AULIKA

EVANS

NOTT

NEILD

IOANE

STRAUSS

Sat 23

Bath Rugby

H

AP

3:00pm

32-9

6,426

HARRISON

WEBBER

JOHN

EVANS

OSTRIKOV

ROSS

B CURRY

STRAUSS T

Sat 30

Gloucester Rugby

A

AP

3:00pm

16-20

16,115

HARRISON

WEBBER

JOHN

EVANS

OSTRIKOV

ROSS

B CURRY

STRAUSS

AP

3:15pm SKY

JANUARY

Sat 6

Harlequins

H

3:00pm

30-29

7,242

HARRISON

WEBBER

JOHN

EVANS

OSTRIKOV

NEILD

B CURRY

ROSS

Sat 13

Lyon

H

ERC 5 3:00pm

15-13

3,259

FLYNN

JONES

AULIKA

NOTT

OSTRIKOV T

NEILD

SEYMOUR

ROSS

Sun 20

Toulouse

A

ERC 6

6.00pm

21-28

9,462

FLYNN

JONES

TARUS

NOTT

OSTRIKOV

ROSS

NEILD

BEAUMONT T

Sat 27

Northampton Saints

H

AW 3 3:00pm

20-24

2,879

FLYNN

JONES T

JOHN

EVANS

BEAUMONT

IOANE

NEILD

MOORE T

FEBRUARY

Fri 2

Scarlets

A

AW 4

7.05pm

45-18

3,021

HARRISON

WEBBER T

JOHN

EVANS

BEAUMONT

IOANE

Sat 10

London Irish

A

AP

3:00pm

13-9

4,497

HARRISON

WEBBER

JOHN

EVANS

BEAUMONT

ROSS

Fri 16

Saracens

H

AP

7.45pm BT

Sat 24

Bath Rugby

A

AP

2:30pm

Northampton Saints

A

AP

3.00pm

MARCH

Sat 3 Sat 10

AW SF

Sat 17 Sat 24

AW F Worcester Warriors

H

Sat 31

AP

3:00pm

ERC QF

APRIL

Sat 7

Wasps

H

AP

3:00pm

Sat 14

Newcastle Falcons

A

AP

TBC

Sat 21

ERC SF

Sat 28

Exeter Chiefs

A

Sat 5 TBC

Leicester Tigers

H

AP

TBC

AP

3:00pm

MAY

60

Fri 11

ERC F

Sat 26

AP F

Sharks Life | www.salesharks.com

B CURRY T STRAUSS T B CURRY

STRAUSS T

Fixtures & Results KEY TO STATISTICS Competitions: AP - Aviva Premiership ECC - European Challenge Cup | AWC - Anglo Welsh Ruby Venue: Matches at AJ BELL STADIUM in grey Scoring: T - Try | C - Conversion | P - Penalty | D - Drop Goal Substitutions: Number - Position Replaced Scrum Half

Fly Half

Wing

Centre

Centre

Wing

Full Back

Rep 1

Rep 2

Rep 3

Rep 4

Rep 5

Rep 6

Rep 7

Rep 8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

JENNINGS 12

ADDISON SOLOMONA T

HALEY

JONES 2

FLYNN 1

ADDISON

SOLOMONA

HALEY

JONES 2

FLYNN

JOHN

DE KLERK MacGINTYp4c CHARNLEY T JENNINGS T

S JAMES

SOLOMONA T ADDISON

WEBBER 2

FLYNN 1

DE KLERK P CHARNLEY

S JAMES

SOLOMONA

HALEY

NIELD 2

S JAMES T SOLOMONA 2T

HALEY

DE KLERK T MacGINTY 5c McGUIGAN T

JAMES

DE KLERK MacGINTY 4p McGUIGAN

JENNINGS

CLIFF

JENNINGS

DE KLERK T MacGINTYP6C McGUIGAN 3T JENNINGS

TAURUS 3 OSTRIKOV 4 T CURRY 7

TJ IOANE 6

CLIFF 9

NOTT 5

B CURRY 6

TJ IOANE 8

CLIFF 9

JAMES

AULIKA 3

OSTRIKOV 5 T CURRY 7

TJ IOANE 8

CLIFF 9

HALEY 15

FLYNN 1

AULIKA 3

OSTRIKOV 5

B CURRY 6

TJ IOANE 8

L JAMES 14

McGUIGAN 2T 10

JONES 2

FLYNN 1

AULIKA 3

OSTRIKOV 5

T CURRY 6

NEILD 20

CLIFF 9 C O'CONNOR10T

DE KLERK 2C MacGINTY C McGUIGAN

JENNINGS

S JAMES T

SOLOMONA

HALEY T

WEBBER 2 T

FLYNN

AULIKA 3 T

OSTRIKOV 5

TJ IOANE 8

NEILD 7

CLIFF

DEKLERK2P2C O'CONNOR

CHARNLEY

JENNINGS

S JAMES

SOLOMONA T

HALEY

JONES 2

FLYNN

JOHN 3

NOTT 5

PEARCE 8

SEYMOUR

CLIFF

REED

DEKLERK 3CP O'CONNOR

CHARNLEY

JENNINGS

S JAMES 2T SOLOMONA T

HALEY

JONES 2

FLYNN

TARUS 3

NOTT 5

PEARCE8

SEYMOUR 6

CLIFF

REED

DE KLERK 2P O'CONNOR McGUIGAN

JENNINGS

S JAMES

ADDISON

JONES 2

FLYNN 1

AULIKA 3

NOTT 8

NEILD 7

TJ IOANE 6

CLIFF

HALEY 12

CLIFF T

MacGINTY3CP CHARNLEY

CLIFF P

MacGINTYC3P

SOLOMONA

O'CONNOR

REDPATH

ADDISON

REED

L JAMES

LANGDON

POPE

AULIKA

SEYMOUR

DOLLY

STURGESS WILKINSON

REED

REDPATH

L JAMES

McGUIGAN

HALEY T

JONES 2

POPE 1

JOHN 3

SEYMOUR 6

DOLLY

STURGESS WILKINSON DOHERTY 13

DEKLERK 2CP O'CONNOR

YARDE T

JENNINGS T

S JAMES

SOLOMONA

HALEY

JONES 2

FLYNN

TARUS

NOTT

NEILD 8

MOORE 6

CLIFF 9

CHARNLEY 10

DE KLERK TCP O'CONNOR

YARDE

JENNINGS

S JAMES

SOLOMONA

HALEY

JONES

FLYNN

AULIKA 3

NOTT 4

NEILD 6

J V RENS'BG 12

CLIFF 9 P

CHARNLEY 11

DE KLERK MacGINTY C 2P McGUIGAN J V RENSB'G T

S JAMES

SOLOMONA O'CONNOR

NEILD 2

FLYNN

AULIKA 3

NOTT

IOANE 8

CLIFF

JENNINGS 12 T

HALEY

MacGINTY 4CP CHARNLEY J V RENSB’G

JENNINGS

SOLOMONA

HALEY

WEBBER

FLYNN 1

TARUS 3

S JAMES

ODOGWU 14

ODOGWU

HALEY

LJAMES

REED

CLIFF T CLIFF 2P

S JAMES

CHARNLEY J V RENSB’G SOLOMONA

WEBBER 2 HARRISON 1

POSTLETHWAITE 5 SEYMOUR 8 STURGESS 9

TARUS 3 POSTLETHWAITE 5 B CURRY 8 STURGESS

DOHERTY

DE KLERK MacGINTY 3C 2P McGUIGAN T J V RENSBURG

S JAMES

SOLOMONA O'CONNOR T

JONES 2

FLYNN 1

AULIKA 3

NOTT 4

NEILD 7

CLIFF T 9

HALEY 15 CHARNLEY 14

DE KLERK MacGINTY T C 3P McGUIGAN J V RENSBURG

S JAMES

SOLOMONA O'CONNOR

JONES 2

FLYNN

AULIKA 3

NOTT

NEILD 8

CLIFF 9

HALEY 15

DE KLERK C P MacGINTY T 2C McGUIGAN T J V RENSBURG

S JAMES

JONES 2

FLYNN

AULIKA 3

NOTT

IOANE 6

CLIFF

HALEY 15 CHARNLEY 10

CLIFF C P

S JAMES

CLIFF

S JAMES

DE KLERK C WILKINSON

YARDE

J V RENSBURG ADDISON

ADDISON

O’CONNOR

SOLOMONA

HALEY

WEBBER 2 HARRISON 1

TARUS 3 AULIKA 3

POSTLETHWAITE

TARUS 3

POSTLETHWAITE4 SEYMOUR

YARDE T

L JAMES T ADDISON 3C CHARNLEY

HALEY

WEBBER 2 HARRISON 1

ODOGWU

L JAMES T

ADDISON P

CHARNLEY

HALEY

LANGDON

POPE 1

ADDISON 13

POSTLETHWAITE BEAUMONT7T B CURRY 8 CHARNLEY 11 L JAMES 12 MOORE

CLIFF T 5C

S JAMES

REED T

REDPATH

L JAMES

CHARNLEY T

HALEY

LANGDON T 2

FLYNN 1

AUIKA 3

POSTLETHWAITE4

NDOLLY6

DEKLERK C2P

S JAMES

CHARNLEY

L JAMES

ADDISON

ODOGWU

HALEY

JONES 2

FLYNN 1

AULIKA 3

NOTT 4

NEILD 6

B CURRY 7

ODOGWU

REED

NOTT 8

CLIFF 9

REDPATH 11

WILKINSON DE KLERK 9 DOHERTY 14 IOANE

CLIFF 9

JENNINGS 12

st selection on the UK’s large sans! of nearly new Nis

West Way Nissan proud to support Sale Sharks

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ALTRINCHAM - MANCHESTER - OLDHAM - ROCHDALE - STOCKPORT Models shown for illustration purposes only. These offers replaces all previously advertised offers. Subject to status. Terms and conditions apply. Available while stocks last.

www.salesharks.com | Sharks Life

122032T

61

Community Trust

SALE SHARKS COMMUNITY TRUST

Sharks Creative Academy

62

Sharks Community Trust are delighted to announce the new and exciting education programme, Sharks Creative Academy developed in partnership with MD Productions. The programme will have a unique creative twist and be based in Liverpool city centre with the aim of inspiring and engaging young people to realise their potential.

Our partnership with MD Productions will enable a variety of enrichment/

The Sharks Creative Academy which has started recruiting for learners now to begin at the start of February will work with young people aged 16-18, who are not currently in education/training or looking for a new education opportunity. The programme will provide a mix of education and creative enrichment/work placement opportunities aimed at developing each learner’s key skills to help them improve their employability prospects. All learners will study a Level 1/2 Award in Skills for Further Learning & Employment alongside Functional Skills in Maths and English.

entrepreneur behind MD Productions.

Sharks Life | www.salesharks.com

work placement masterclasses available for all learners n the following areas; DJ Academy with local DJ’s Rob McPartland and Ian Longo.

Performance and hair styling classes with Lyndsey Tagoe. Events, business & enterprise with MD Productions, Film production with Kelly Lundstram and Performance masterclasses with Miguel Doforo, the

If you are or you know anyone who would like to be a part of this fantastic opportunity, please get in touch with John Travena on 07715 647772 or john.travena@salesharks.com Watch out at half time at this afternoon’s match for a special performance by MD Productions

Tackling Numbers

SALE SHARKS COMMUNITY TRUST

WALKING RUGBY PROJECT

at Trafford MV Rugby Club is a huge success COMMUNITY TRUST COACHES HAVE BEEN DELIVERING WEEKLY SESSIONS AT TRAFFORD MV RFCC FOR PEOPLE OVER 50 YEARS OLD. The Walking Rugby sessions, run as part of a pilot project funded by One You Trafford/Trafford Partnership for the past 28 weeks was the Trust’s first project working specifically with those aged 50 years or older to increase physical activity and reduce social isolation.

Since launching the pilot project, we have seen a total of 25 individuals over 50 years old attending, most of whom had not been previously been engaged within the sport of rugby at a younger age. Out of the 25, around one third were female, many of whom had not played sport since giving up at a younger age. Many of the participants reported that they did not feel there was any other suitable physical activity locally to suit their needs.

Kim Rothwell, one of the participants said, “I have seen huge benefits to my health since taking part, even though its walking it still is a good work out. I have learnt new skills (having never played any form of rugby before) and made new friends. I really look forward to seeing everyone and having a catch up each week.

My advice to anyone whom is thinking of giving it a go is just do it. You require no previous skills, no existing fitness or rugby knowledge. Come along and have a go, it’s fun and sociable.”

“As a club we’re committed to making sure that rugby is as accessible as possible to anyone who wants to play,” said Sale Sharks Community Trust Inclusion Officer Vicky Irwin.

“The Walking Rugby sessions at Trafford MV RFCC have seen 25 individuals take part, which is fantastic for our first Walking Rugby offering. It was great to see all participants forming friendship, reducing social isolation for those aged 50 years old was a key focus when planning the pilot.”

If you are interested in getting involved with Walking Rugby, please contact Vicky Irwin Vicky.irwin@salesharks.com

www.salesharks.com | Sharks Life

63

0161 406 4800 www.cc-insure.com

C&C Insurance Brokers Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

64

Sharks Life | www.salesharks.com

FITTED FURNITURE

BUILT BY HAND, FITTED WITH CARE ELEGANCE IN EVERY ROOM bluebellfittedfurniture.co.uk

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66

Sharks Life | www.salesharks.com

By John Everton

HALANI AULIKAAIMING FOR TOP FOUR VETERAN TIGHT HEAD PROP HALANI HAS TWO AMBITIONS FOR 2018: TO HELP SALE SHARKS MAKE THE TOP FOUR, AND TO PLAY A HOME MATCH FOR HIS NATIVE TONGA! “We’re set for a big finish,” he says. “Games at Bath and Saints after this one, then a break, followed by five tough matches to finish.

“Today against Saracens is really a ‘big’ game. The final matches are going to be good: our target is a Top Four spot.”

Last Saturday saw a return to his former club, from whom he joined Sale Sharks in 2016 after four seasons with the Exiles. He mustered 81 appearances during his time at the Madejski Stadium.

“Still a few old pals there, including Dave Paice. Nick Kennedy was coaching the Academy in my time there. They always seem to have longer arms and legs when teams like the Sharks visit Reading,” Halani comments.

He’s been capped by Tonga 18 times, but they’ve all been away. “I hope to play for Tonga again,” he says. Home games are played in June.

“I’ve never played at home, but would like to before I retire from international rugby!” he quips with a twinkle of the eye. “The Teufaiva Stadium’s been upgraded, and passed fit to stage major matches.

It could be around the same time as Ha’apai, one of our festivals. It’s always warm there, and we all know how Tongans love a good feast!

Back to Salford in February, with Saracens the visitors. Halani’s looking forward to some great front row action. “Our scrum’s been good through the season. Credit to Dan Richmond. Technique –as ever – is all important.”

Members of the Tongan rugby dynasty, England giants Billy and Mako Vunipola, may be elsewhere on leave today, but Sione Vailanu could well be here to talk rugby and Polynesian matters over with Halani after the game. www.salesharks.com | Sharks Life

67

68

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69

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AJ MacGINTY AJ MACGINTY HAS REVEALED HE IS WELL ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY WITH THE SALE SHARKS FLY-HALF TARGETING A RETURN TO ACTION NEXT MONTH. The Irish-born American international was playing some of the best rugby of his career when he was stretchered off during Sale’s thrilling 30-29 Premiership win over Harlequins last month after suffering a worrying knee injury.

Initially, there were fears that AJ could have suffered a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury which would have proved season-ending.

Thankfully, subsequent scans instead revealed that the Sharks playmaker – who had been flying high in the Premiership kicking accuracy charts at the time of the injury – had instead damaged his Medial Collateral Ligament.

Five weeks on from the injury, AJ is now stepping up his rehabilitation and if all goes well, the 27-year-old hopes to be back in the selection mix in time for next month’s visit of Worcester Warriors.

“My leg just got caught up in a ruck towards the end of the Quins game and someone fell on it.

I heard a pop straight away and I knew it was pretty bad but, thankfully, it wasn’t as serious as I feared,” AJ revealed.

“It was painful but the thoughts that were going through my head were that it could be serious.

“If it had been the ACL, that wouldn’t have borne thinking about so I was just very fortunate the scans showed that the ACL was still intact – instead it was a grade-three MCL injury which doesn’t require surgery.

“Fortunately I’m on the mend. I got an injection earlier this month and it’s feeling really good.

“Initially, I was told to have the knee in a brace for six weeks – I’ve pretty much got through that period now and I am walking without it and it’s feeling good.

“Originally I was told that I would be out for between 10 and 12 weeks but I’m obviously going to push to get back playing as quickly as I can as it’s tough there working in the gym every day!

“I’m about to hit that phase of hitting the wattbikes now so I’m not really looking forward to that but it’s just the way it goes - it could be a tough few weeks for me but I’ve just got to get through it!

“I probably won’t be back for this current block of four Premiership games, but we then have a two-week break and that gives me more time to get right and then, hopefully, I’ll be able to come back right into those last five league games.” www.salesharks.com | Sharks Life

71

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Sharks Life | www.salesharks.com

V R U O M SE Y CE N S A R A S TRIES

01

APPS

17

CARRIES

38

TACKLES

TURNOVERS

110

10

PENS CONCEDED

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73

An unmissable line up on BT Sport Visit bt.com/sport or call 0800 201 2201

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Sharks Life | www.salesharks.com

Tackling Numbers

SALE SHARKS COMMUNITY TRUST

After a very successful first year, we are determined to continue the positive work during our second, and we are already off to a great start, with 18 new veterans registering in February alone. Together with exciting and focussed sessions with the Forces programme, we have also launched our Veterans Fitness Club and NAAFI BREAK programmes.

The Veterans Fitness Club and NAAFI BREAK programme activities provide the baseline of our Forces project, with the NAAFI BREAK being hosted just off the M60 at ‘Eccles Rugby Club’ from around 1.30 pm every Tuesday and the Veterans Fitness Club is at Sale Sharks’ Carrington Training Centre from 3.00 pm. There is the opportunity to use the players’ gym before getting together in the canteen for some topical talks covering things like nutrition and training plans. In the coming weeks we have a number of other charities and the Job Centre coming in to talk to us.

February also sees the first of our Veterans’ Days out – we are off for a guided tour of Stockport’s Air Raid Shelters – Originally opened in 1939, they were the largest purpose-built civilian air raid shelters in the country.

If you’re interested in attending any of our Sharks Forces events or you want to find out a little more use the information below to get in touch.

Twitter: @SharksForces Mobile: 07525857188 Email: Craig.Monaghan@salesharks.com

www.salesharks.com | Sharks Life

75

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77

Rugby.

Tackled.

Get expert analysis and insight from our team of writers and ex-players, including Ben Kay, Stuart Barnes, Stephen Jones and Owen Slot.

For quality rugby coverage subscribe to The Times and The Sunday Times at thetimes.co.uk

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Mascot

TONIGHT’S

MASCOTS COOPER

HARRY GAITENS

AGE: 9 &10

AGE: 11

SCHOOL: TERRA NOVA, LINDOW

SCHOOL: ST BERNARD’S PRIMARY PRESTON

FAVOURITE SUBJECT AT SCHOOL: SPORT

FAVOURITE SUBJECT AT SCHOOL: PE

FAVOURITE FOOD: PIZZA

FAVOURITE FOOD: CHICKEN AND SWEETCORN PIZZA

GEORGIA & LYLA

FAVOURITE TV SHOW: HORSE & COUNTRY, THE VOICE FAVOURITE HOBBY: SHOWJUMPING, KARATE WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE SHARKS PLAYER: TOM CURRIE YOUR FAVOURITE SHARKS MATCH TO DATE: THIS IS OUR FIRST

FAVOURITE HOBBY: RUGBY WHICH CLUB DO YOU PLAY FOR: PRESTON GRASSHOPERS WHICH POSITION DO YOU PLAY: WING/CENTRE WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE SHARKS PLAYER: JOSH CHARNLEY

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TEAM

LINE - UPS SALE SHARKS MIKE HALEY 15 JOSH CHARNLEY 14 WILL ADDISON (CAPTAIN) 13 MARK JENNINGS 12 MARLAND YARDE 11 SAM JAMES 10 FAF DE KLERK 9 ROSS HARRISON 1 ROB WEBBER 2 WILLGRIFF JOHN 3 BRYN EVANS 4 ANDREI OSTRIKOV 5 JONO ROSS 6 BEN CURRY 7 JOSH STRAUSS 8 REPLACEMENTS

MARC JONES 16 JAMES FLYNN 17 HALANI AULIKA 18 GEORGE NOTT 19 CAMERON NEILD 20 WILL CLIFF 21 LUKE JAMES 22 PAOLO ODOGWU 23

SARACENS 15 ALEX GOODE 14 LIAM WILLIAMS 13 MARCELO BOSCH 12 BRAD BARRITT (CAPTAIN) 11 CHRIS WYLES 10 ALEX LOZOWSKI 9 BEN SPENCER 1 RICHARD BARRINGTON 2 CHRISTOPHER TOLOFUA 3 JUAN FIGALLO 4 WILL SKELTON 5 NICK ISIEKWE 6 CALUM CLARK 7 SCHALK BURGER 8 JACKSON WRAY REPLACEMENTS 16 SCOTT SPURLING 17 HAYDEN THOMPSON-STRINGER 18 KIERAN LONGBOTTOM 19 SIONE VAILANU 20 BEN EARL 21 TOM WHITELEY 22 MAX MALINS 23 NATHAN EARLE

REFEREE: LUKE PEARCE ASSISTANT REFEREES: WAYNE FALLA & ADAM LEAL TMO : STUART TERHEEGE

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