Leicester ground out victory in a scrappy and often bad tempered clash at
Welford Road tonight, but were pushed all the way by a brave and determined Sale
outfit.
It was not until flanker Adam Balding's 67th minute pushover try that the
Tigers could relax with the Sharks threatening to score throughout the second
half.
Former Wigan and Great Britain rugby league star Jason Robinson, playing at
full-back for Sale, showed further promise after his recent England outings and
always looked a danger with the ball in hand.
Both teams tried to play an expansive game, but the blustery conditions were
not conducive to flowing rugby as poor handling took its toll on the two sides'
attacking ambitions.
Instead, it was a night for goalkickers with Leicester's Tim Stimpson and
Sale's Nicky Little claiming four penalties each. Stimpson also kicked a
conversion to finish with a 14-point haul.
Leicester opened in typically robust fashion with Austin Healey, playing at
outside-half in the absence of Andy Goode, carving the Sale back line wide open
with a searing run.
The visitors' cover defence ended the threat, but only after conceding a
penalty which full-back Stimpson slotted over.
Leicester kept Sale under pressure as they swept deep into the Sharks'
territory and a series of attacks were concluded when Tigers skipper Martin
Johnson's battered his way over the line.
Stimpson missed the conversion and moments later Little reduced the deficit
with a long-range penalty.
Leicester looked certain to add to their score in the 17th minute thanks to a
marauding Stimpson run, but the former England international was denied after
excellent covering from Robinson.
Another Stimpson penalty extended the home side's lead to 11-3 before Jos
Baxendell added to Sale's woes when he was sinbinned for stamping.
The two skippers were given a dressing down from the referee in a bid to stop
the frequent skirmishes that were erupting throughout the half and Sale were
subsequently awarded a penalty which Little nudged over.
A fine break from Robinson on the stroke of half time sent Sale centre Dan
Harris charging through in a sprint for the line, but Healey raced back and made
a copybook tackle.
Tigers winger Steven Booth was sinbinned for an off the ball incident and
Little added the three points for an 11-9 interval score.
Stimpson and Little exchanged penalties as the second half descended into a
muddy battle that saw few clear cut chances.
Leicester's pack gave the midlanders the upper hand as Stimpson kicked another
three-pointer.
Sale battled on, but Balding's try and the subsequent conversion by Stimpson
put the Tigers out of reach and the home defence held firm until the final
whistle.
Leicester:
Tries: M. Johnson, Balding.
Cons: Stimpson.
Pens: Stimpson 4.
Leicester: Stimpson, Tuilagi, Smith, Gelderbloom, Booth,
Healey, Hamilton, Rowntree, Cockerill, Garforth, M. Johnson,
Kay, Balding, Moody, Corry.
Not Used: Howard, Chuter, Gustard, Lloyd, Deacon, Nebbett,
Jelley.
Sale:
Pens: Little 4.
Sale: Robinson, Moore, Baxendell, Harris, Hanley, Little,
Redpath, Bell, Jackman, Thiel, Manson-Bishop, Lines, Appleyard,
Morris, Perelini.
Not Used: Hatley, Hodgson, Deane, Wilks, Baldwin, Black,
Titterrell.
Att: 10,000
Ref: Ashley Rowden (Berkshire (RFU)).
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