Rugby Union: Howarth delivers
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.London Irish 25
Sale 31
TWO COOLLY struck penalty goals in a frantic finish by Shane Howarth, the New Zealander who is a leading contender to play full-back for Wales against South Africa at Wembley on Saturday, squeezed Sale home.
From the start the home crowd roared on their favourites, or "your local heroes" as the PA announcer euphemistically had them, among them Justin Bishop and Steve Bachop. "Come on Bish, well done Bash." All we needed was some bosh, and Irish hooker Richard Kirke provided it when he cuffed Simon Raiwalui early on.
That cost Irish three points to the boot of Howarth, Sale's first score after conceding a pugnacious third-minute try to centre Nick Burrows. Kirke then contrived to overthrow to the giant Malcolm O'Kelly at a line- out, conceding a lengthy spell of Sale ruck and drive which ended with Dion O'Cuinneagain going over.
Irish's other new face at half-back, Kevin Putt, settled in quickly and buzzed around the fringes to help set up a second try for Burrows. An unpromising situation in the Irish half was then enlivened by thrusts from Conor O'Shea and Bachop, and Nick Harvey plunged over.
Howarth ended the first half with a penalty goal and with Bachop and Jos Baxendell popping off to their willing backrow henchmen, the second half continued at the same pace.
Unhappily for Putt, it was his petulant knocking of the ball from an opponent's hand to prevent a quick restart which aided Sale's cause. Putt went to the sin-bin, Irish withdrew flanker Jake Boer in order to get a replacement scrum-half on and Sale earned a penalty try with a destructive shove at the next scrum.
Howarth's conversion moved Sale ahead. In a gripping last quarter two penalties by Nial Woods for Irish and a try for Sale by winger Tom Beim preceded Howarth's two decisive penalties. They preserved Sale's unbeaten record in league matches here which now stands at four matches.
London Irish: C O'Shea (capt); J Bishop, N Burrows, B Venter, N Woods; S Bachop, K Putt; M Worsley (N Hatley, 68), R Kirke, K Fullman, N Harvey, M O'Kelly, J Boar (P Richards, 57; R Strudwick 68), K Dawson, I Feaunati.
Sale: J Mallinder (capt); M Moore (D Rees, 69), S Howarth, S Davidson, T Beim; J Baxendell, K Ellis; P Winstanley, S Diamond (P Greening, 60), D Bell, S Raiwalui, D Baldwin (C Murphy, 69), D O'Cuinneagain (S Diamond, 78), P Sanderson, J Machacek (P Angelsea, 21).
Referee: C Reeks (Somerset)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments