Sale Sharks Women won their first-ever league match this afternoon, defeating Worcester Warriors Women 11-0 in a bruising encounter in the Premier 15s.
Sale went into half-time in the lead for the first time in the competition, thanks to a try orchestrated by England’s Katy Daley-Mclean.
The second-half was just as tight but Sale’s defence, who are growing in confidence each week, held on and Daley-Mclean kicked Sale clear for a historic victory.
In the opening ten minutes possession changed hands frequently with Sale forcing several turnovers but often knocking-on when they moved into the Warriors half.
Sale made their first foray into the Warriors 22 with ten minutes to go to half-time and it ended in success as Alex Wallace went over the try-line for the only score of the half.
Worcester were forced into two substitution in the opening 35, the most serious of which saw captain Laura Keates go off with an ankle injury having only recently returned from 19 months out.
The Warriors heaped pressure on Sale from the restart but Daley-Mclean gave Sale breathing room with two penalties, the second of which was a thumping effort from 35 yards out.
The Sharks’ defence stood firm as they routinely turned over the ball and were helped by crunching tackles from Wales international Gwen Pyrs.
Sale Sharks Women have a great chance to secure back-to-back victories next weekend as they visit bottom side DWP Sharks.
Images courtesy of Simon Hall, with thanks.
