January 2010

New Year's Day - a chilly evening, but Sale Sharks and Harlequins served up some 'hot stuff' in their Guinness Premiership encounter. The match against Saracens was moved from Friday to Saturday to try and beat the cold weather, but common sense prevailed and spectator safety came first. That's two home games to fit in midweek later in the season. After the game, John Kingston and Kingsley Jones delivered their verdicts. Without being unkind to Stockport, John expressed a wish not to come back too soon!

It's a vital month for Sale Sharks as they visit Cardiff Blues' new stadium for their third away game in the Heineken Cup. The only other time the team played at the 'old' Arms Park in 2004, it was a 'dead rubber' and Cardiff won 22-8. This will definitely be different.

Then, on Sunday 24th, the visit to Edgeley Park of the aristocrats from Toulouse. Probably the most anticipated game since Munster were here. If the Sharks have 'got anything' at Cardiff, this will be a decider.

The following Friday, Northampton Saints are the visitors in the LV= Cup. Although both sides play each other, they're in different Pools - it's an unusual competition - but after their 27-3 win over Leeds Carnegie, two wins for Sharks (here and at Bath) should see them into the semi-finals in March.

Sharks stand poised - all, nothing, or something in between?