By D Whittle
Huddersfield 18
Sale 20
Huddersfield’s unbeaten start to the season ended with a narrow defeat to Sale at Lockwood Park.
Despite only losing by two, Field were beaten by a very physical Sale side, who led by 14 points at half time.
Manager Lee Paxman said: “They wanted it more I think, they’ve come off three losses and they obviously have a lot to prove, they came out in that first half really firing”.
Despite launching a comeback in the second half, ‘Field left themselves too much to do, despite having won from losing positions twice already this season.
Paxman added: “We came back, got a losing bonus point and really if Tom had nudged a few penalties and had we not conceded a stupid penalty in front of our posts, then we could have actually won the game”.
As Sale started brightly, Ciaran Connolly scored after five minutes, before doubling his tally prior to half-time, as Tom Hodson began a rare off-day with the boot.
Both sides exchanged penalties before half-time, but ‘Field were left chasing the game.
Field scored two second half tries through Jack Moon and Gavin Rhodes, but in an attempt to the force the game, a penalty from Liam McGovern sealed Huddersfield’s fate.
Despite a livelier second half, ‘Field never really got going against a well-drilled Sale side that were more effective at the break down.
Paxman added: “There are a lot of disappointed lads in that dressing room and they will be keen to put things right”.
