Matchday Live

Sale Sharks lost to Leicester Tigers at Welford Road in Round 6 of the Gallagher Premiership as our wait for an away victory this season continues.

Once the opening fracas had settled, Sharks started brightly.

A lovely lineout move in Tigers’ 22 with peeling pods galore almost saw Manu Tuilagi bundle over to score, the England centre just spilling the goods in the process.

The ensuing handbags saw the decision reversed however with Ellis Genge penalised for an arm positioned around Tom Curry’s neck in a manner that could not be described as delicate.

Sharks were unable to convert pressure into points however, and a double movement from Kieran Wilkinson gave Tigers’ the exit they needed.

A battle for territory promptly ensued, both teams kicking high. The tide began to turn as Tigers’ demonstrated just how dominant they have been in this domain this season

Sharks conceded a penalty in their 22 that saw poor Nemani Nadolo flailing for his life as Byron McGuigan – admittedly – obstructed the Fijian goliath.

Tigers’ fumbled the chance – double movement on the try line – but Sharks weren’t off the hook. Soon after Ford did punish us from the boot, giving Tigers’ the lead in the 31st minute.

A flurry of penalties ensued, including for a late challenge on Sharks scrum-half Gus Warr – a man with a target on his back all game. Wilkinson levelled for Sharks at the break.

But nine minutes into the second half, Tigers’ had scored, a wheeling scrum and a touchline charge seeing flanker Hanro Liebenberg plummet over the whitewash and injure himself in the process.

Ford was unrelenting pressurising kicks on Sharks’ back three, and also proceeded to steadily punish Sharks from the tee as our penalty count began to rise.

Sharks were all but nullified at the set piece and, thanks to their disciplined defensive effort, Leicester’s 22m line was as impenetrable as a fortified trench.

Sharks finally broke through at the death after an impressive defensive effort of their own, but Tom Curtis, under pressure from the charge-down, was unable to convert Sharks’ mauling try and secure the losing bonus point

A difficult outing against the league leaders, whose unbeaten run continues.

Sharks next match is away to Worcester Warriors on Saturday 30 October.