On Saturday, Bath, Saracens, Tigers and Gloucester were the day's victors. Following their dramas against Quins the previous week, London Wasps collected a further bonus point in a 30-23 defeat. Young speedsters Eastmond (Bath) and Wade (Wasps) were tryscorers. Wasps' Director of Rugby Dai Young rued a lack of composure, whilst Bath coach Toby Booth detected modest improvements on his side's performance the previous week.
Sixty points were scored at Welford Road, with Tigers ending 34-26 up against Worcester Warriors. The home side's friend Penalty Try made the scoresheet in this game whilst ex-Tiger Andy Goode recorded a 21 point haul for Dean Schofield's men. Tigers' boss Richard Cockerill said his side were "often sloppy", whilst Warriors' chief Richard Hill said, "This season there's a bit of spark and urgency when we get the ball."
The only other away win outside of Salford came in Reading, where 79 points were scored. Gloucester beat the Irish on their own turf 48-31. The surprise would be that in that huge total the Cherries didn't score four tries. Irish shipped forty-plus points again, something for Shaun Edwards to address this week.
Sunday's match at Franklins Gardens saw Exeter Chiefs gain a bonus point in a 24-21 reverse against Northampton Saints, who ran in four tries - two scored by former Sharks Christian Day and Luther Burrell.
In their new home at Salford City Stadium, Sale Sharks accrued a losing bonus point against an accomplished Saracens outfit. Sharks' Director Rugby Bryan Redpath was frustrated by the penalty count against his side but added, "I thought we were a lot better than last week against Exeter, which is the key thing."
Sale Sharks travel to Harlequins next Saturday, but first the Jets face Gloucester on Monday at KIngsholm in the Aviva 'A' League (7.30 p.m.).
The next Aviva Premiership action at Salford City Stadium will be on Friday 21st September, when London Welsh will be the visitors. Kick off is 8 p.m. Secure your tickets online or ring 08444 994 994.
Sale Sharks have 50 copies of the matchday programme left from Saturday's inaugural Aviva Premiership match at Salford City Stadium. Cost: £3 inc. postage & packing. Email lucy.gibson@salesharks.com if you'd like one.
