MATCH REPORT: SALE SHARKS WOMEN vs EXETER CHIEFS
Sale Sharks Women maintained their unbeaten home record with a commanding 41-17 victory over Exeter Chiefs in front of another vocal home crowd.
Sharks fought off some early pressure before Holly Thorpe carved her way down the left wing for a stunning solo try that opened the scoring after six minutes.
Exeter fired back a few minutes later but their close-range score was followed by back-to-back Katie Childs tries and a driving maul effort from Milly Hyndman that extended the Sharks lead to 24-5.
Chiefs rallied before half time and found a score with a few minutes to spare before the whistle. Their winger, Wills, dived over down the left wing which saw the half end 24-12 in the Manchester sunshine.
It took just nine minutes for Sale to impact the scoreline in the second half. Sophie Hopkins, who has been prolific so far in the JAECOO Next Gen Cup, charged over after another weaving break from Holly Thorpe. Hopkins now makes it three-in-three on her return to the Northwest after spending last season on loan in France.
The excitement didn’t stop there for the home fans. Katie Childs wrapped up a hat-trick when she latched onto the back of a driving maul before receiving a yellow card for not releasing and Tatyana Heard, on debut for the club, dotted down to put the cherry on top of a fine first outing in Sharks blue.
The full-time whistle sounded on a dominant Sharks performance with the score at 41-17. The jubilant Sharks fans will now be waiting to see how the side do against Leicester Tigers next weekend, knowing a win will see their side reach the semi-finals of the competition.
Their next chance to see Sale at home will be on 21st November when they host Gloucester Hartpury on the opening day of the new league campaign, with tickets available here.
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