A young Sale Sharks side were defeated at home last night, (Friday). Stuart Lancaster’s Connacht side proved too strong at Heywood Road as they run out 40-5 winners.
According to the Sale Sharks’ website, the Irish visitors scored six tries – two in the first half and four in the second – with winger Obi Ene replying for Alex Sanderson’s side in front of a packed house at Sharks’ historic home.
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The Sharks were without many established players due to England and Lions’ tours. The match was a chance for new faces and youngsters to press their claims for involvement in the Gallagher Prem which will kick-off in less than three weeks.
New signing Jacques Vermeulen started in blue for the first time and England U20s fly-half Ollie Davies lined up in the ten shirt with plenty more Academy talent joining the action in the second half.
But it was Connacht’s international experience that told in a disjointed first half as they built up a strong lead.
The Sharks faithful had something the cheer with 15 minutes left on the clock when a break down the middle from debutant back-rower Frank Chatterton saw the ball shifted wide from Dom Hanson to Ollie Davies and then to Obi Ene who touched down in the corner. Tom Curtis’s conversion hit the upright and bounced away.
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The start of the Prem Cup will take place next Saturday when Bristol are the visitors to the Salford Stadium.
Tickets for that one, and for the opening two home fixtures of the new Gallagher Prem season, are on sale here.
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