In the first half, the Sharks were consistently strong, ten minutes in, McElroy scored a try. Four minutes later, Newcastle’s number 9 also followed, leveling the score at 7 – 7. With ten minutes left of the first half, the Shark’s made two substitutions. Harrison, who had just returned from an injury and Patreece Bell who made his home debut were replaced by England internationals Rodd and Opoku-Fordjour.
Seven minutes left of the first half, Rodd was swift in scoring a try, three minutes on to the pitch, determined to redeem themselves after their narrow 27 – 28 defeat against the Falcons previously. Again, the Falcons were also determined to keep up their five game winning streak, swooping in two minutes later, leveling the score 14 – 14. Half time came to a close with a yellow card given to Sale’s J.L du Preez.
The second half was welcomed with several substitutions for both teams, with number 16, Alfie Longstaff and number 21, Dom Hanson both making their home debut for the Shark’s. Both were commended by Gareth Haris, specifically Hanson who was praised for being ‘really composed’ and his ability to adapt ‘…well to what the game needed of him.’
Notably during this half, progress was lacking for both teams, as compared to the first half.’ Approaching the last 15 minutes of the game with the score remaining 14 – 14, Haris said that ‘J.L was adamant on coming back on after his yellow card’, who was then sent back on replacing Gilmore. In the sixty-fifth minute, the Falcons soared, slotting a penalty overtaking the Shark’s 14 – 17.
‘A battle for North’, Harris titled this game, and a battle it was indeed, till the very last minute. The Sharks were on the precipice of the try line and also the brink of elimination from the Premiership Rugby Cup. Much was at stake and the Shark’s were relentless and determined. Newcasle’s defense held firm, but the Shark’s formed a powerful maul in which Ben Bamber was the saving grace for the team and the restless crowd who held faith until the very end. With a roaring crowd and dramatic victory of 19 – 17, both teams will now progress forward into the cup quarter-finals.
