Replacements: 16. Joe Ward for Jones (58) , 17.Tony Buckley for Lewis-Roberts (58), 18.Aston Croall for Cobilas (58), 19.Kearnan Myall for Gray (48), 20.Richie Vernon for Easter (62), (blank)Tom Holmes (not used), 21.Will Cliff for Peel (H/T), 22.Nick Macleod for Cipriani (52), 23.Will Addison for Amesbury (H/T) , (blank)Jordan Davies for Uys (58)
Replacements: 16. Aaron Dundon, 17. Jack McGrath, 18. Martin Moore, 19. Leo Cullen, 20. Ben Marshall, 21. John Cooney, 22. Collie O'Shea, 23. Jordan Coghlan, 24. Darren Hudson, 25. Jack O'Connell
Sale Sharks started brightly, with Gray and McKenzie joining forces with Powell to take the ball over the gain line. After four minutes, the Sharks took a scrum at penalty time, but three minutes later chose to kick a second award, allowing Cipriani to score the first points at the ground with a penalty.
Sharks put in three great scrums, and were the dominant side for the first twenty minutes but couldn't add to their tally. Madigan led a threatening Leinster raid, but Sale Sharks were offside in the build up. Reid equalised with the penalty after 21 minutes.
Leinster's Auva'a, Toner and Hagan were all involved in a dangerous attack, but the long arms of Gray intercepted, allowing Seymour and Leota to break out. The visitors, through Boss and Macken, continued to probe, and the Sharks were increasingly hearing the sound of referee Pearson's whistle.
The onset of heavy rain may well have caused Reid to miss a 31st minute penalty chance, and it certainly seemed to inhibit the scoring. Half time saw 3-all showing on the East Stand scoreboard.
Leinster took the lead four minutes after the break. Following pressure on the home line, near the posts, the ball was sent out right for winger Conway to score. Madigan converted. In reply, Sale Sharks attacked with spirit: Leota, Addison and Miller all threatened, but the greasy conditions marred the final effort. Newcomer Uys spilled a left wing chance following more good work from young Cumbrians Addison and Miller.
After a 65th minute lineout, local lad Davies produced the telling pass for the prolific Miller to carve through to score. The composed Macleod rifled over the conversion to equalise, then was just wide with a long penalty attempt.
The game became somewhat scrappy, with ball handling difficult, but the raids from both sides, although speedy, were inconclusive.
The game was good experience in wet conditions for Sale Sharks, who showed all the signs of becoming accustomed to the venue's extra width but ended up all square with Leinster.
The next challenge at Salford City Stadium is the 2nd round Aviva Premiership home clash against Saracens on Saturday 8th September at 4.30pm. Following our move to a new ticketing provider, we recommend that you purchase your Sale Sharks tickets online as this will save you time and the cost of calling the TicketLine. You can however purchase via the phone by calling 08444 994 994.
Attendance: 5651
Scoring: (Sharks first) 3-0, 3-3 (Half Time) 3-10,10-10
Scorers: Try - Miller, Con - Macleod, Pen - Cipriani
Squad: 15.Rob Miller, 14.Charlie Amesbury, 13.Corne Uys, 12.Johnny Leota, 11.Charlie Ingall, 10.Danny Cipriani, 9.Dwayne Peel, 1.Eifion Lewis-Roberts, 2.Marc Jones, 3. Vadim Cobilas, 4.Richie Gray, 5.Fraser McKenzie, 6.Mark Easter, 7.David Seymour (capt.), 8.Andy Powell
Replacements: 16. Joe Ward for Jones (58) , 17.Tony Buckley for Lewis-Roberts (58), 18.Aston Croall for Cobilas (58), 19.Kearnan Myall for Gray (48), 20.Richie Vernon for Easter (62), (blank)Tom Holmes (not used), 21.Will Cliff for Peel (H/T), 22.Nick Macleod for Cipriani (52), 23.Will Addison for Amesbury (H/T) , (blank)Jordan Davies for Uys (58)
