Rugby Update: Newcastle and Sale booked their places in Seven Series Final
Newcastle and Sale are the two teams which will be battling each other in the JP Morgan Asset Management Premiership Rugby Sevens Series Final. They made it to the final after overcoming the challenge of Leicester Tigers and Leeds Carnegie at Welford Road.
Aaron Myers was phenomenal for Newcastle as he steered them into the final that will be played on August 6. They will face Sharks, who defeated Leeds in a thrilling match for a final berth. Meanwhile, the hosts Leicester failed to register a win and hence were out from the tournament. Newcastle and Sale are third and fourth teams respectively to reach the final stage. Earlier, Saracens and Harlequins made it through, where as the remaining places are yet to be decided.
Sale started their campaign in the best possible manner, as they defeated inexperienced Leeds with the margin of 33-7 victory. Josh Fowles seized the initiative for Sharks, as he opened the scoring showing good vigour and an impressive pace to grab points through first try of the match. He was followed by Fowles, who capitalized on Leeds’ weak defence to score second try for Sale. Leeds fought back in form of Richard Beck, who stretched the Sale defence in a counter attack before passing to Curtis Wilson for a try. First half ended with Sale scoring once again through David Tait. Second half was also the same story as Sale dominated the proceedings. Sale soon converted their territorial dominance through tries from Henry Thomas and Ed Stobart, as Sharks sealed the match and their place in finals.
On the other hand, Falcons also recorded an impressive victory over hosts, Leicester. Newcastle won the match with the score of 19-7. Charlie Amesbury gave Newcastle an early lead against Leicester in the second game but the lively George Ford levelled things up for hosts. Ford was able to equal things after sustained pressure from the Tigers. Amesbury gave the Falcons the required advantage as they went into the break. Falcons also exhibited some excellent defence, as they kept Leicester’s onslaughts at bay. Newcastle attacked on counter as Steve Parsons powered his way into Leicester’s territory to score match winning try for Falcons.
The two undefeated sides in form of Newcastle and Sale went head-to-head in the next clash. It was Newcastle who came out on top in battle of titans. Falcons won the match with the score of 19-12. Tyson Lewis opened the scoring for Newcastle as exploiting his timely pace and resisting tackles, he speared through Sharks’ defence for a touch down. The persistent Fowles almost notched an immediate reply only to be denied by some desperate defence. However, Sharks struck back in form of Stobart, who opened up a hole in the midfield. The agonizing speed of Lewis was continuing to cause problems for Sale, as Fred Burdon scored the second try for Newcastle.
Newcastle began the second half well and Parsons edged his side further ahead with his second try of the night. Sale worked hard as they tried their best to come back in the match but they were equally matched by rock-solid Newcastle’s defence.
Similarly, in the battle of survival, Leeds defeated Leicester 33-26. Leeds scored tries from Tom Barrett and Wilson as they converted their possession of the match. But, Leicester were gifted a way back into the game thanks to some sloppy play form Leeds, as a wild pass was grabbed by Rob Conquest. Conquest went on to score for Leicester. Building on their momentum, Leicester scored again through Stephen Macaulay. Rob Almond enabled Leeds to go for a break with the lead, as he scored in dying minutes of first half. A couple of tries from Matt Everard saw Leicester surprisingly taking the lead. However, they were cut short by Oli Denton, who pulled Leeds level with the next try. With time almost over, Almond struck with the decisive try to steer Leeds home with an emphatic win.
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