Diamond geezers go close
SALE slumped out of Europe in a close and controversial battle in France and will have to try to clinch Champions Cup qualification via the Premiership.
Steve Diamond’s men pushed their La Rochelle rivals all the way but the hosts had too much strength, power and finesse.
Diamond had labelled his players ‘pathetic’ after losing to Worcester the week before but they were fired up for this one.
Chris Ashton almost burst over for an early try after a sublime back-of-the-hand pass from Denny Solomona. The Sharks forwards showed their power by pushing their rivals back and were awarded a penalty try when Victor Vito pulled down the driving maul and was shown a yellow card.
Referee Nigel Owens repeated the penalty try and yellow card in the 25th minute but this time for Solomona.
The England wing was sent to the sin bin for a high tackle when preventing rival wing Vincent Rattez from grounding the ball.
Vito returned to the action and the French outfit took advantage of the extra man when Kini Murimurivalu charged over. Sharks were back on level terms by the break. Ashton showed his predatory class to swoop after Tom Curry had blocked Ihaia West’s clearance. Ashton booted the ball ahead, gathered it and dived across for his 54th try in Euro competition.
The Sharks defence was unable to stop flanker Gregory Alldritt from diving over in the corner as La Rochelle poked their noses back in front. West converted.
AJ MacGinty’s boot reduced the lead to four points with 10 minutes remaining and La Rochelle replacement Jules Favre was shown a yellow after kicking Solomona with the clock in added time.
But Sale were unable to take advantage of their penalty or a late scrum.