Tries: Ford 9, Dixon 16, Hirskyj 36
Conversions: Robins 10, 17
Tries: Asiedu 1, 23, 44, Brownlie 51, 73
Conversions: James 2, 23, 44, 52, 74
Nanu Kwaku Asiedu scored a superb hattrick as Cambridge ended Sale FC‘s incredible home record with an impressive bonus-point triumph.
Despite trailing at the break, three unanswered tries helped them to victory over their fellow promotion hunters.
“I’m so proud of the players,” said Cambridge boss Richie Wellens.
“We had a frustrating December with two matches called off, but we’ve started off 2023 with a bang as it’s now three bonus-point wins on the trot.
“We knew it would be tough coming here, but the lads showed great discipline and were clinical when it mattered to get over the line.
“We’ve now got to concentrate on the next game and make sure we keep this fantastic start going.”
The visitors made the faster start as winger Asiedu scored his first try early on, with Steffan James adding the conversion.
Sale levelled the scores after nine minutes when Cal Ford powered over following several pick-and-go moves.
James Robins added the conversion.
With 17 minutes on the clock, Sale centre Fergus Mulchrone threw a looping pass to Mark Dixon, who crossed the line. Robins again added the conversion.
However, their lead didn’t last long as, following a yellow card for Robins, Cambridge used their numerical advantage to level the scores.
Asiedu strolled in to score his second of the afternoon, with James converting.
However, Sale led 19-14 at the break following a nightmare ending to the first half.
Star man Mulchrone was again the architect as the centre sent Oskar Hirskyj across the line to secure the interval advantage.
But it was one-way traffic after the break as Asiedu completed his treble four minutes after the restart.
James once again added the conversion to give his side a slender 21- 19 lead.
Two more tries followed with hooker Ben Brownlie crossing the whitewash in the 51st and 73rd minutes, with James converting both to take his match tally to 12 points.
Reacting to the defeat, Sale director of rugby Jonathan Keep said: “it was certainly a game of two halves.
“We created some good opportunities and managed to go into the break ahead.
“Fair play to Cambridge, they came out after the break and started to play a bit more. They have a lot of really talented lads.
“The difference between the two sides was ultimately that they were a bit more clinical, so we will have to dust ourselves down and look to bounce back next time out.”
Sale will be aiming to get their campaign back on track against Cinderford at home in a fortnight’s time, while Cambridge will be hoping to continue their fine form when they host Rams.
TEAMS
SALE: Dixon, Brad, Mulchrone, Hirskyj, Walsh, Robins, Bradley, Birchall, Brown, Ford, Bamber, Groves, Barron, Hughes, Priestley-Nangle Replacements: Longmore, Onasanya, Tebbatt, Edwards, Street
CAMBRIDGE: Tarrant, Asiedu, Hoppe, Williams, Hema, James, Dabell, Morley, Brownlie, Walker, Frost, Baxter, Bretag-Norris, Adams, Maka Replacements: Priestley, Collins, Brownhill, Duffin, Green
REFEREE: Richard Gordon
ATTENDANCE: 567
Star man: Nana Kwaku Asiedu – Cambridge
