ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP:SAILOSI TAGICAKIBAU claimed his sixth try of the season as London Irish moved to the top of the English Premiership with a hard-fought 11-8 victory at Sale last night.
The Samoan flier struck in typically predatory fashion in the 37th minute, touching down in the left corner after a brilliant break from former Sale centre Elvis Seveali’i.
However, the victory was marred by what appeared to be a serious leg injury sustained by wing Adam Thompstone early in the second half, and he was taken off on a stretcher clearly in distress. Tagicakibau’s try had helped Toby Booth’s men into a 11-5 lead after a first half in which Sale battled gamely and briefly led when Welsh prop Eifion Roberts touched down in the 30th minute.
A penalty from Sale’s stand-in outhalf Nick Macleod cut the gap to three points shortly after the restart, but Irish held out for their fourth win in five games.
SCORES: Sale (Tries: Roberts. Pens: Macleod); London Irish (Tries: Tagicakibau. Pens: Hewat 2).
