[eBike]

OK, let's start it

Judging by the full house at a wet, miserable and cold Heywood Road* last Saturday I think there's enough interest in a PWR thread.

* It was Heywood Road when I first watched Sale and Heywood Road it will always be.

Post away

[eBike]

Current Table

[dinogyro]

Thanks eBike.

Next round of PWR is Saturday 7th March at home.

[dinogyro]

Starting XV:

15. Lizzie Duffy, 14. Rhona Lloyd, 13. Evie Wills, 12. Katana Howard, 11. Shona Campbell, 10. Holly Aitchison, 9. Olivia Ortiz ;1. Tysh Harper, 2. Amy Cokayne, 3. Nick James, 4. Morwenna Talling, 5. Erica Jarrell-Searcy, 6. Eva Donaldson, 7. Georgie Perris-Redding ©, 8. Brittany Hogan.

Replacements:

16. Milly Hyndman, 17. Gwen Pyrs, 18. Evie Roach, 19. Charlotte Fray, 20. Sharifa Kasolo, 21. Amy Relf, 22. Asia Hogan-Rochester, 23. Katie Childs.

[Yareet]

No Kabeya for Loogabrooga. She and Kildunne are stuck in Dubai

[eBike]

Loughborough

15 Helen Nelson, 14 Bulou Mataitoga, 13 Alev Kelter, 12 Carmela Morrall, 11 Bo Westcombe-Evans, 10 Helena Rowland, 9 Meg Davey; 1 Isla Curphey, 2 Kathryn Treder, 3 Christine Belisle, 4 Lilli Ives Campion, 5 Rachel Ehrecke, 6 Becky Boyd, 7 Daisy Hibbert-Jones (c), 8 Haineala Lutui.

Replacements:
16 Paige Stathopoulos, 17 Anne Young, 18 Mae Sagapolu, 19 Tahlia Brody, 20 Kendall Waudby, 21 Lis Maude, 22 Fancy Bermudez, 23 Lucia Scott

Strong team, going to be an exciting game, weather looks decent. Show Time

[dinogyro]

No Kabeya for Loogabrooga. She and Kildunne are stuck in Dubai

Must be scary for them. But, with my Sale specs on, that's got to help us.

[Bronzbronx]

I'll be heading to may first Women's game today and first trip to Heywood road. Is parking fairly easy in the streets nearby.

[Major Bloodnok]

I'll be heading to may first Women's game today and first trip to Heywood road. Is parking fairly easy in the streets nearby.

It was, but with the way attendances have increased, you need to get there early or park further away. (Or take the tram, if possible.)

[eBike]

Not really, parking anywhere near the ground is a bit tricky. We don't bother trying to park and opt for the (Altrincham) Tram instead. We live out in the sticks but a train into Manchester and the tram to the Brooklands stop works a treat. There's also a lovely coffee shop/bar (US FOUR) at Brooklands station for a post match coffee/cake/beer.

Worth mentioning that the "Altrincham " tram route goes via Old Trafford so travelling when United are at home can be a bit sardine like..

[eBike]

Game of 2 halves...... It's not the dog in the fight........Whatever

First half - dead and buried 5-17. A total failure of the aerial strategy and The Nelson/Kelter/Rowland Show
Second half - ball in hand, better handling, better scrums and ferocious carrying. Lineouts still ropey though.
Another squeaky bum finish but the defence held for a 31-29 try bonus win.

Trivia - turned out we were sat next to Katana Howard's mum who had flown over from Minnesota, as you do, to surprise her daughter. Very knowledgeable and interesting

Onward to Tigers away next week

[Major Bloodnok]

It was a cracking game (better than the dross England just served up). I had visions of Bristol away at the end, though. Just hoping that they didn't give away the penalty.

[eBike]

I may be wrong, way too much noise in the stand at the end, was Perris-Redding the Player of the Match. If so, quite right too.

Special mention for Britanny Hogan at 8 as well, she put in a massive shift

[Bronzbronx]

Really enjoyable game

[ledzepsfr]

I may be wrong, way too much noise in the stand at the end, was Perris-Redding the Player of the Match. If so, quite right too.

Special mention for Britanny Hogan at 8 as well, she put in a massive shift

Aitchison got it from a tie.
Just an aside, what's on offer at the BBQ? Looked like BIG SAUGAGE/Mash and????

[eBike]

Can't comment on the BBQ but it appeared to be very popular judging by the constant flow of wopping burgers, fries and sausage heading into the stand. Which again was "buzzing". Perhaps someone who did sample the BBQ can comment.

[dinogyro]

I feared for them at 0 - 14, but they were very determined! I think this will really boost their confidence, but hopefully not so much that we lose to Tigers!

[dinogyro]

Team for Saturday:

Starting XV:

15. Courtney Keight, 14. Rhona Lloyd, 13. Beatrice Rigoni, 12. Laura Perrin, 11. Asia Hogan-Rochester, 10. Lizzie Duffy ©, 9. Amy Relf; 1. Tysh Harper, 2. Milly Hyndman, 3. Evie Roach, 4. Iona Antwis, 5. Charlotte Fray, 6. Sharifa Kasolo, 7. Katie Childs, 8. Brittany Hogan.

Replacements:

16. Molly Wright, 17. Gwen Pyrs, 18. Sophie Benavent, 19. Morwenna Talling, 20. Trudy Cowan, 21. Olivia Ortiz, 22. Vicky Irwin, 23. Eva Donaldson.

Looks really strong to me, with my preferred option of Duffy at 10. Good to see Beatrice back and a start for Kasolo. The back row looks very strong.

Leicester don't have a win this season, so are likely to be dangerous, but we should get a 5 pointer here.

[eBike]

Have to agree that that's a strong team to put out. Some real pace in the backs and solid pack with a powerful back row.
I hope we get to see Hogan-Rochester, Lloyd and Rigoni get good quick ball that they can exploit on a better surface than the Morson.
KO at 1 pm and the match is on YouTube

[Major Bloodnok]

What's so pleasing compared to last season is that it looks like a fairly strong side, even though they're resting Amy Cokayne, Nick James, Erica Jarrell-Searcy, Georgie Perris-Redding, Holly Aitchison, Katana Howard, Evie Wills, and Shona Campbell.

I doubt that side would have beaten Luffbruh last week, but it should be able to bag all five points today.

[eBike]

Kick off delayed ?

[Major Bloodnok]

Kick off delayed ?

Problem with the ref's train, I believe.

[Major Bloodnok]

It seems to take Sale about 15 minutes to get started. Under the cosh for a while, but starting to get it together now.

[eBike]

"Sale have gone full on RASSIE ERASMUS and brought on a whole new front row and second row...."

Priceless comment !

Looks like job done now with a score of 3-55 at 70 minutes.

[Major Bloodnok]

62-3 full time.

Up to 5th place, now.

[dinogyro]

Yes, a very slow start. The scoreline doesn't really reflect the first half, when I thought Tigers looked still in the fight.

As Major says, a really good strong squad developing. Tom Hudson says that they are not thinking they will make the playoffs, but are just aiming to be better every game.

Asia H-R has exceeded my expectations. I thought they were just a bit of a fast winger, but they seemed to be all over the place looking for opportunities, good in defence and always looking for a turnover. I'm not 100% I've got the pronouns and tenses correct there, but I'm trying!

Duffy wasn't as good at 10 this week as I had predicted, so it will be interesting to see what happens in the next match.

[eBike]

Final home game on Sunday 22nd 3pm.

Hopefully we get one over on Bristol Bears for the time added penalty that cost us the game in the away match. A big turn out and raucous support would be nice

[dinogyro]

I've booked my tickets. I still owe the Major a pint! After I screwed up the last time and left it too late on the assumption that it never sells out! Hotels are also reasonably priced on a Sunday.

[Major Bloodnok]

I've booked my tickets. I still owe the Major a pint! After I screwed up the last time and left it too late on the assumption that it never sells out! Hotels are also reasonably priced on a Sunday.

If you are there and want to say hello, I'm usually to be found in the corner by Smithy's Bar*. I'll be the bald guy with the big Nikon...

*Unless it's piddling down, when I'll be in the Birtles.

[Yareet]

Amy Cokayne made VC for the 6N 🫡

[Yareet]

Talking to myself now but congrats to Amy, Morwenna and Holly.

Given the losses of Ward, Galligan and Stratford, I'm expecting to see Moz focus on playing second row

[eBike]

Starting XV: v Bristol Bears

15. Lizzie Duffy, 14. Rhona Lloyd, 13. Beatrice Rigoni, 12. Katana Howard, 11. Shona Campbell, 10. Holly Aitchison, 9. Olivia Ortiz; 1. Tysh Harper, 2. Amy Cokayne, 3. Nick James, 4. Morwenna Talling, 5. Erica Jarrell-Searcy, 6. Eva Donaldson, 7. Georgie Perris-Redding ©, 8. Brittany Hogan.

Replacements:

16. Molly Wright, 17. Gwen Pyrs, 18. Evie Roach, 19. Charlotte Fray, 20. Katie Childs, 21. Amy Relf, 22. Asia Hogan-Rochester, 23. Evie Wills.

[Major Bloodnok]

Starting XV: v Bristol Bears

15. Lizzie Duffy, 14. Rhona Lloyd, 13. Beatrice Rigoni, 12. Katana Howard, 11. Shona Campbell, 10. Holly Aitchison, 9. Olivia Ortiz; 1. Tysh Harper, 2. Amy Cokayne, 3. Nick James, 4. Morwenna Talling, 5. Erica Jarrell-Searcy, 6. Eva Donaldson, 7. Georgie Perris-Redding ©, 8. Brittany Hogan.

Replacements:

16. Molly Wright, 17. Gwen Pyrs, 18. Evie Roach, 19. Charlotte Fray, 20. Katie Childs, 21. Amy Relf, 22. Asia Hogan-Rochester, 23. Evie Wills.

Five in a row is a definite possibility.

[Yareet]

Starting XV: v Bristol Bears

15. Lizzie Duffy, 14. Rhona Lloyd, 13. Beatrice Rigoni, 12. Katana Howard, 11. Shona Campbell, 10. Holly Aitchison, 9. Olivia Ortiz; 1. Tysh Harper, 2. Amy Cokayne, 3. Nick James, 4. Morwenna Talling, 5. Erica Jarrell-Searcy, 6. Eva Donaldson, 7. Georgie Perris-Redding ©, 8. Brittany Hogan.

Replacements:

16. Molly Wright, 17. Gwen Pyrs, 18. Evie Roach, 19. Charlotte Fray, 20. Katie Childs, 21. Amy Relf, 22. Asia Hogan-Rochester, 23. Evie Wills.

Five in a row is a definite possibility.

And after Quins’ loss to Ealing tonight, beating Bristol would put us 4th

[Major Bloodnok]

Starting XV: v Bristol Bears

15. Lizzie Duffy, 14. Rhona Lloyd, 13. Beatrice Rigoni, 12. Katana Howard, 11. Shona Campbell, 10. Holly Aitchison, 9. Olivia Ortiz; 1. Tysh Harper, 2. Amy Cokayne, 3. Nick James, 4. Morwenna Talling, 5. Erica Jarrell-Searcy, 6. Eva Donaldson, 7. Georgie Perris-Redding ©, 8. Brittany Hogan.

Replacements:

16. Molly Wright, 17. Gwen Pyrs, 18. Evie Roach, 19. Charlotte Fray, 20. Katie Childs, 21. Amy Relf, 22. Asia Hogan-Rochester, 23. Evie Wills.

Five in a row is a definite possibility.

And after Quins’ loss to Ealing tonight, beating Bristol would put us 4th

Most of the other teams have a game in hand on us, though. Our bye week is the penultimate round, so it's only Harlequins (miss the final round) who won't have the advantage.

[eBike]

Sale 25 Bears 7
14-7 at half time. But for a massive brain fade it could have been 14-0. Way too many errors and shaky handling.
Second half (again) much better and some excellent physical defending.
FIVE from FIVE and well played.

Perhaps someone who was watching on YouTube can clarify what the ref said about the hideous head on head incident

[JohnJ of HM]

Thought we made heavy weather of it and should easily have had a bonus point. Yes total failure to deal with kick off gave them their only score. Still 5 wins on the trot is not to be sneezed at.

[ledzepsfr]

I thought this game was a gimmee.
However, it turned out a very enjoyable game of rugby to watch.

[dinogyro]

It was a lovely day out. A bargain price, better half-time entertainment than the men and a great atmosphere. Great to see loads of kids and families.

In spite of the score, I never felt that we really had the game done. Or am I just expecting the worst all the time?

[Yareet]

Five in a row is a definite possibility.

And after Quins’ loss to Ealing tonight, beating Bristol would put us 4th

Most of the other teams have a game in hand on us, though. Our bye week is the penultimate round, so it's only Harlequins (miss the final round) who won't have the advantage.

Trying to work this out. 4th looks to be between us (37 pts), Ealing (36), Quins (36) and Luffbra (32). Remaining fixtures are:

Us: Sarries, bye, Exeter
Ealing: Luffbra, Glaws, Sarries (that's tough!*)
Quins: Bristol, Tigers, bye
Luffbra: Ealing, Sarries, Tigers

Quins should get 9-10 points so probably are favourites to nab 4th. However, as you say they finish the season earliest and will be sweating if Luffbra win at Ealing in r16.

The teams in the box seat this weekend seem to have the harder games but we managed a draw with Exeter before. Can we get anything out of Sarries' showpiece game???

*Glaws are currently 19 points clear of third-placed Chiefs. Sarries are almost exactly halfway between the two (9 from Glaws). Exeter have a bye in r16. There is a chance that both the top 2 teams will start to rest players after r16 if they're already set to be 1st and 2nd.

[ledzepsfr]

Whatever happens, it's been a very good season for Sale.

[dinogyro]

Yes, after a shaky and somewhat disappointing start, we've finished strongly and ended with a really good squad that seems to work well together. I think they can all be happy with what they have achieved, even if they don't make the playoffs.

I'm hoping we're keeping nearly everyone for next season.

[Yareet]

I’m also loving the response from the social media team

https://www.instagram.com/p/DWO_ReVDGWI ... dlZndhdjR2

[eBike]

BBC article featuring Erica J-S

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union ... ywdgj6y52o

"Badass" and Harvard not words you normally hear in the same sentence

[Yareet]

BBC article featuring Erica J-S

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union ... ywdgj6y52o

"Badass" and Harvard not words you normally hear in the same sentence

I know it’s not the point of the article but I’m not sure if I expect to hear Harvard and ambulance driver in the same sentence either.

[ledzepsfr]

Personally I like the Title IX legislation edict. Something that the UK should adopt.