Following a dispiriting drubbing away to Newcastle last week, the Sharks were, reportedly, given a verbal beating by Phillipe Saint Andre. Unhappy with their performance he spent the week getting the team into shape for the first home match of the season, against Bristol. Bristol were one of the class acts of last season, and have suffered less from the international call ups that have plagued certain teams during the World Cup. Their visit was not likely to be one of the Sharks easiest matches of the year.
Sunday morning was lovely; mild and dry. However just as fans began to take to their seats the weather thought it would make an appearance. The rain came and and unfortunate breeze directed it right into the Cheadle End.
The game started as all wet games should. Slow, uninspiring, penalty ridden and error strewn. Both sides missed a shot at goal, before Bristol's David Hill opened the scoring: 0-3.
Charlie Hodgson was quick to respond with a penalty of his own. With the scores now level the pace of the game increased and Hodgson's kicking from hand really began to hurt the Bristol back three. He found touch deep with regularity, and when he kicked for an up and under Bristol were faced with the terrifying prospect of 17 stone of Steve Hanley thundering towards them.
After a good spell of the Sharks applying pressure, things at last came good for them. The ball emerged from a scrum on the Vernon End side of the pitch and made its way along towards a helpful looking Sharks overlap. Hodgson gently patted it along its way to Ben Foden who made no mistake in scoring.
The weather made sure there were no more tries, but the passage of play amonsgt the Sharks backs was refreshing to see.
Perhaps the most entertaining moment, however, came when referee Ashley Rowden found himself squashed violently in the middle of a ruck, much to the delight of the crowd.
Hodgson had an excellent game, as did Hanley, Ripol, Schofield, Cox and Martens.
match report by Ben Lomond for salesupporters.co.uk |
