Sharks came through a huge battle with Exeter Chiefs as the teams shared the spoils after a brutal 80 minutes.
Sale wasted no time, getting on the front foot immediately as slick play across the pitch reached Rhona Lloyd who dived over in front of Smithy’s Bar in the corner.
In slippery conditions, both teams looked for aerial dominance with Sale controlling the early exchanges. The hosts ran home the advantage as Shona Campbell collected on half way and, after taking a moment to scan the field, set off on a mazy run that took her 50 metres and over the line for one of the tries of the season.
Chiefs rallied and two pick and go scores on 33 and 37 minutes meant the visitors headed in at the break ahead, 12-14.
Sale started the second half even faster than the first. It took Gwen Pyrs just two minutes to fire over from close range to wrestle the lead back from Chiefs and five minutes later Morwenna Talling did the same, extending the lead to 26-14.
Exeter again looked to fight their way back into the game. This time Emily Robinson picked out of the back of the scrum and barrelled her way over to give the visitors hope before Chiefs got themselves level with another pick and go score.
With Exeter’s conversion sliding just wide, it left the hosts with a chance to clinch it at the death with the scores tied at 26 a piece. Unfortunately for Sale, two Aitchison penalties slipped by from distance, the second millimetres from the crossbar, and the game ended with the teams sharing the spoils after a thrilling 80 minutes.
Sharks fans now have three weeks for their nerves to recover before the next home game. Saracens arrive at Morson Stadium on 21st December with hospitality available (email sam.jee@salesharks.com for full information) and matchday tickets available here.
