No sting in the tail as Sale are Shanghai'd by returning Hero!!

Game 1: MRC 25v0 Sale Scorpions

Straight out of the blocks at the first whistle and it was as if William hadn't been away at all. He danced his way to the line to record Manchester's first try of the match and from then on there was no coming back for the visitors, however much endeavour they showed throughout the match. Next to go over in the corner was Will, who put in a fantastic tackling display and his work rate was one to watch and be admired as he ran himself silly throughout the day in a valiant attempt to be in all places at all times. James went over either side of a try from Harrison and the result was never in doubt. Did the Scorpions have a sting in their tail waiting for Manchester in Match 2 of the day?

Game 2: MRC 15v10 Sale Scorpions

With a big change in players and with the freezing weather putting pay to good handling skills, Sale came back at Manchester in a very commendable display from both sides. Early pressure allowed H to do his stuff and dash down the touch line to go over in the first few minutes of the match. This time though, Sale did not waiver, they came straight back st Manchester and after some strong mauling and great off loads in the tackle, they were able to square the game 5 all. It was Manchester's turn to look at themselves and dig deep and it was Ethan who came up with the goods, with a blistering run that parted the Sale defence and restored the Manchester lead. Sale did not bow though, but came right back at Manchester, determined to make this a game to remember. Tackles were made on both sides as the game flowed from end to end. Desperate defence turning into terrific attack time and time again as both sides fought to score again. It was Sale who initially came up with the goods, going over to level the game, but it was Manchester who would have the last say. In the front row, Ollie, Bill and Hanuf had worked really hard to secure good ball from the scrums and as the game went on their superiority showed. With H at acting scrum half, he was able to provide a great pass to Tom, who pinned his ears back and headed for the line. He was caught a couple of feet from the line and all looked lost, but Tom was not to be denied. He wriggled himself free and weaved around the strung out Sale defence to record Manchester's third try and seal the victory that their play had merited.

Today's totally awesome Tigers were (tries in brackets): Bill, Dan, Ethan (1), Fin, Hanuf, Harrison(2), James(2), Joseph, Louis, Matthew, Myles, Nathan, Ollie, Tom Mac(1), William(1) and Will(1).

No.1 Defender: Nathan
Tackle of the Week: Ethan
Player of the Week: Harrison

Next week finds us away at Heaton Moor, Hanuf's previous club, a side that beat us fairly convincingly earlier in the season (though we were missing a number of players due to holidays at the time) and who will be looking to do the same on their home ground. Having had good displays in previous seasons we should go with plenty of confidence that we can give a good account of ourselves and....who knows what might just happen!!

Crouch, touch, set! Ian