Sale secured their second home victory in as many weeks against Northampton Saints on Sunday.
The AJ Bell Stadium proved to be Sharks’ lucky charm once again as the visitors failed to turn possession into points in a low-scoring second half.
Director of Rugby Steve Diamond expressed his delight at the result over last season’s table toppers but said that there is still more to work on for his squad.
“Playing sides like Northampton, to get a win is always good, so we’re delighted,” he said.
“In the first half, we attacked very well with the possession we got… the driving maul became a weapon and it managed to suck them in so there was space out wide.
“We have lots to work on, and the biggest thing we’ve got to work on is recovery as we’re playing in four days.”
Following one of the most exciting tries of the Premiership so far, a chipped ball over the head of a Saints winger collected and dotted down in the corner, Diamond praised its scorer Sam James.
“Sam James showed a bit of class with his try after the break by Beaumont,” he said.
“He’s got a great skill set. He’s another lad putting his head above the parapet in the academy, so I’m really delighted for him.”
Great team performance – the forwards were awesome! Worked hard all night! Bit of magic from @SamJames560 @SaleSharksRugby
— DannyCipriani (@DannyCipriani87) November 1, 2015
James revealed how happy he was with scoring his first Premiership try and Sharks’ performance.
“It was a bit of luck I think, I got lucky with the bounce, it popped up to me and I managed to keep hold of it and get the score.”
The 21-year-old praised the efforts of the whole squad, in a match in which every replacement was used.
“We all dug in deep, we were building up to this game wanting to get the win,” he said.
“We were not going to settle for a point, we all worked hard for each other and eventually we got the win we deserved.”
Sale face Harlequins next at the Stoop and the Sharks, who now sit sixth in the table, will be looking to make it three wins on the bounce.
Image courtesy of Sale Sharks via YouTube, with thanks.
