Sale Sharks end the season in style ahead of their historic home semi-final with a thrilling win over Newcastle Falcons
Sale Sharks brought an end to their league season with an emphatic victory over Newcastle this weekend, cruising past the Falcons 54-12 and showing some good preparation ahead of their highly-anticipated home semi-final against Leicester Tigers.
The visitors might have already been consigned to a bottom-placed finish before rocking up to the AJ Bell stadium, but they might have expected a slightly more closely-run affair after opening the scoring inside three minutes.
However, it wasnโt meant to be and after a strong season for the Sharks and their historic semi-final against Leicester looming, they answered back just as quickly.
Before long, it was 21-7 to the home side and after starting the second half even stronger, they smelt blood, punishing every mistake possible and putting a further 33 points past the visitors. With a total of 10 tries in the game, Sale couldnโt have hoped to head into next weekโs cup semi in better shape.
With Tom Roebuck, Sam James, Ben Curry; Bevan Rodd, Raffie Quirke and Aaron Reed all getting on the scoresheet, the Sharks will no doubt be feeling confident ahead of the big fixture on Sunday, 14 May, especially being at home.
Given the momentous nature of the tie, tickets for the historic meeting sold out almost instantly, this being the teamโs first home semi-final in 17 years โ the last time being when they won it and against the Tigers, no less.
Even this warm-up game served as a historic occasion as veteran Will Cliff also called time on his professional career this season at age 34, enjoying a final run-out ahead of his testimonial. The club made clear how much his presence will be missed with a heartfelt video in April.
Moreover, with the Womenโs team set to face off against third-placed Bristol Bears at Heywood Road a day prior to the Leicester game โ no doubt looking for vengeance after the defeat back in January โ is set to be a stellar weekend for the Sharks.
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As for Sale vs Leicester, the clubs have met three times already this season, with the Sharksโ chances looking strong having won on all three occasions.
That being said, this will be the 106th meeting between the two and just the thirteenth at AJ Bell Stadium, with Leicester winning 69 of those fixtures compared to Saleโs 32, so itโs arguable that history is on the side of the Tigers. Nevertheless, the home advantage will no doubt play heavily in Saleโs favour.
Elsewhere, first-place finishers Saracens host Northampton Saints in their semi-final on Saturday and should both teams progress, the league leaders โ whom the Sharks beat back in March โ will then be the only thing that stands in the way of the Manchester sideโs first title since 2006. Can they do it?
You can watch Sale Sharksโ convincing victory over Newcastle Falcons down below:
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Featured Image โ Sale Sharks (via Twitter)