February 2010

After a good start against Harlequins on New Year's Day, Sale Sharks' fortunes in January hit a rocky road with tough encounters in the Heineken Cup against Cardiff Blues and Toulouse. Northampton Saints arrived on the 29th for an LV= Cup game with both sides missing their England elite players. Sharks had to play 'catch up' rugby - and didn't.

The February programme started with a visit to Bath in the same competition. The home side's fly half Butch James announced his return from injury in fine style, and the Sharks were effectively down and out by half time. There was little love lost between the sides when London Wasps played host to the Sharks on Valentines' Day. The referee must have had some dust in his eyes, as he missed a forward looped pass leading to Wasps' only try. Sharks gave away too many penalties and another returnee fly half - Danny Cipriani, friend of Kelly Brook - slotted five over with no misses.