Sale Sharks boss Alex Sanderson has lauded the ‘composed’ and ‘calm’ performance from star fly-half George Ford in their gritty 12-11 win over Harlequins.

All 12 of Sale’s points in their win over Quins came from the boot of the England international, including the decisive 78th-minute winner.

“Played it like a Test match”

Speaking to the media after the game, Sanderson said:“George Ford was really composed, really calm; he played it like a test match, picking up points early, and in the end it was his boot that won us the game.”

The game was by no means a pretty one – largely due to the conditions – but Sanderson was pleased they managed to come away with the points.

“It wasn’t enthralling but it was gritty, hard-fought win – a win being the operative word.

“We have to be better”

Whilst the Sharks still got the all-important league points, they could have had a much easier time of it. Sale dominated the game for large parts, however sloppy handling errors or lapses in discipline meant they were unable to cross the whitewash.

Commenting on this, Sanderson said side know they need to be better in that respect moving forward.

“We know we have to be better if we’re going to compete at the end of the season but I think both teams could say that,” he said.

“We both had opportunities in the 22 and we both had half-breaks which we didn’t convert.”

He continued: “I reckon a score either side would have opened the game up, but as it was it ended up being a bit of a slugfest and stalemate in the middle of the park.”

“Neither team were playing a lot of phases before kicking, but I’m really happy with how the lads stuck together to close the game out.”

Attack has been a consistent issue for Sanderson’s side in the past year, and if today’s game is anything to go by it could be their main work-on again this time around.

Next up

Sale now prepare for a tough away trip to the StoneX to face Saracens, who were in good touch in their victory over Gloucester yesterday.

They should be in high spirits heading to North London though, after their fantastic win at the same ground at the end of last season to cement their spot in the playoffs.