Hoylake V's Sale

Hoylake 8
Sale 26

Hoylake paid the price against Sale for having six 1st XV regulars unavailable. Sale have clearly strengthened their side over the past few weeks and dominated the game in the backs, where Hoylake badly missed the organisational skills of Rich Young and Tom Selby-Milic. The forwards acquitted themselves well but lacked the ball carrying presence of Phil James, Ian Griffiths and Rob Shaw. After a slow start, Matt McLaren scored a try to reduce the fourteen point deficit and after long periods of pressure, Steve Young slotted a penalty to put Hoylake within touching distance at half time.

The Hoylake faithful could have been forgiven for expecting their side to continue their dominance and secure the victory in the 2nd period, but as it was, Sale dominated proceedings and took advantage of the disorganised Hoylake defence. They scored two more tries and ran out comfortable winners in the end.

All in all, a frustrating week for Coach Gareth Jones, who is hoping to field a full-strength side against visitors Ormskirk this week and get back to winning ways.