Huddersfield 18

Sale 20

(National III North)

Huddersfield's unbeaten start to the season ended with a narrow defeat to Sale at their Lockwood Park home.

Despite only losing by two points, Huddersfield were beaten by a very physical Sale side, who led by 14 points at half-time.

Team manager Lee Paxman said: “They wanted it more than us I think.

“They have come here on the back of three losses and they obviously had a lot to prove.

“They came out in that first half really firing.”

Despite launching a comeback in the second half, Huddersfield left themselves too much to do, despite having won twice after trailing in games already this season.

Paxman added: “We came back and got a losing bonus point and really if Tom (Hodson) had nudged a few penalties over –and had we not conceded a stupid penalty in front of our posts – then we could have actually won the game.”

Sale started brightly and Ciaran Connolly scored after five minutes, before doubling his tally prior to half-time, as Huddersfield fly half Tom Hodson began a rare off-day with the boot.

Both sides exchanged penalties before the interval, but Huddersfield were left chasing the game.

The home side crossed for 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, the home 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.”

That next challenge comes away at Morley on Saturday.