Sale Sharks suffered a narrow 18-16 defeat to Gloucester in their Gallagher Premiership opener at the AJ Bell Stadium.
Tries from Mark Atkinson and Tom Marshall set up victory for the visitors.
Despite the result, Steve Diamond’s side started the brighter of the two sides, spending long periods in the Gloucester half. They were rewarded for their efforts in the 17th minute as McGuigan went over under the posts following an offload from Akker van der Merwe.
The hosts extended their lead less than 10 minutes before the break through the boot of Rob Du Preez.
There was pressure from the visitors towards the end of the half, Sale held on and managed to keep the cherry and whites at bay.
Gloucester started the second half how they finished the first and applied pressure. Sale absorbed the pressure and found themselves a further three points ahead thanks to Du Preez.
That 13 point lead was chopped to six as Atkinson ran in from distance. His effort was converted by ex-England international Billy Twelvetrees.
Six minutes later, Gloucester moved within a point of their hosts as Marshall went over in the corner. Twelvetrees missed the tight kick and Sale hung on to their lead for a while longer.
Gloucester continued to look threatening and took the lead as Twelvetrees added three points from the tee.
This forced a response from the hosts and Sale took the lead once again from the tee following an offside decision.
The score swung in the favour of Gloucester moments later to set up an intriguing finish.
Sale had a chance to win the game in the final moments, but Du Preez’s penalty struck the upright and bounced back into play. Gloucester kicked the ball out of play to clinch the victory.
Today’s defeat was Sale’s first of the season and they will be looking to bounce back next Saturday when they travel to London Irish.
Photo credit: Sale Sharks
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