Aspull 17 Sale FC 28

SALE FC ended a run of four consecutive defeats away from home after beating Aspull 28-17 on Saturday Sale's first half performance was one of the best this season as their improved tackling and handling created a sense of confidence lacking in recent games, reinforced by promising debuts from stand off Kevin Morris and full back Jack Moorhouse.

The home side had the better of the opening minutes, using their pack to good effect, and took an early lead with a short-range penalty when Sale were caught offside.

Sale soon levelled when Aspull were penalised for handling in the ruck and David Moore converted the penalty from 30 metres.

Aspull continued to force the issue but time and again poor handling and a series of penalties let them down. This led to frustration culminating in one of their players being yellow carded for persistent offside.

Aspull again transgressed on 25 minutes when Moore kicked a second penalty after the home side were penalised for holding on after the tackle.

With half time approaching Sale pressed hard on the home line and quick ball out to John Pryor saw the centre carve open the Aspull defence for a try which Moore converted to give Sale a 13-3 lead at the break.

Ten minutes into the second period quick ball out to the backs saw Aspull score a try in the corner excellently converted from the touchline to narrow the gap to just three points.

Sale responded well with an excellent break by Moorhouse who released scrum half Tom Holloway to touch down for an unconverted try.

Injury to Kevin Morris saw Ferg Mulchrone switch to stand off and he tormented the opposition with some fine breaks, one of which resulted in Ryan Parkinson getting onto the scoresheet with another try.

Aspull never gave up and a converted try with five minutes remaining narrowed Sale's lead to just six points before Mulchrone secured the win with an outstanding solo run to touch down in the corner and give Sale their second away success of the season.