Jones proud of fightback

Sharks credited for 'belief' as they overturn half-time deficit

By Lizzie Rose   Last updated: 22nd November 2009  

Jones proud of fightback

Hodgson: Influential in victory

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Sale director of rugby Kingsley Jones was delighted with his side's second-half fightback in the 24-17 win over Leeds at Headingley.

The home side dominated the first half with converted tries from Lee Blackett and Scott Barrow giving them a deserved 14-3 lead at the break.

Despite fly-half Ceiron Thomas extending the lead with a penalty at the beginning of the second half, the bottom club were eventually denied their first home win of the Guinness Premiership season.

Tries from Ben Cohen and Richard Wigglesworth brought the visitors level and replacement Carl Fearns dived over for the winning try in the 74th minute.

Suicide watch

"At half-time we were on suicide watch but you've got to give Leeds a lot of credit because they played outstandingly well in the first half," said Jones.

"Just after the restart we looked like we were going to go down but full credit to the players, they had the belief.

"The kicking game of Charlie Hodgson allowed us to play some great rugby and let's hope we can now take some positives from this into Friday's home game against Wasps."

Leeds showed greater desire in the first half and Blackett's third-minute try set the tone for the opening 40 minutes as the home side looked for their first ever win over their Northern rivals.

Sale came back stronger after the interval and two tries in six minutes from Cohen and Wigglesworth - both converted by Hodgson - drew them level, before Fearns claimed the victory.

"It's a bitter pill to swallow and I feel for the players," admitted Leeds head coach Neil Back. "I thought it was a winning performance with a lot of positives.

"Hodgson kicked intelligently and that was pivotal to Sale's gameplan and comeback in the second half."