Christian Wade Equals Premiership Try-Scoring Record as Newcastle Secure First League Win
Wade's 101st try contributed to Newcastle Red Bulls' 17-3 victory over Sale Sharks, marking their initial league success of the season.
Christian Wade has equaled Chris Ashton's Premiership try-scoring record, reaching his 101st score as Newcastle Red Bulls secured their first league win of the season against Sale Sharks. The victory, with a final score of 17-3, was achieved on a blustery night that saw a game dominated by kicking, penalties, and strong defense.
Wade touched down in the right corner nine minutes into the second half to draw level with Ashton's record. Although he did not score a second try in a match with limited scoring opportunities, George McGuigan also crossed the whitewash from a maul to extend Newcastle's lead.
This win marks only Newcastle's fifth victory in four Premiership seasons. Despite Wade's milestone, the match was described as far from a thrilling spectacle. Nevertheless, Newcastle coach Dan McFarland will aim to build on this foundational win against a Sale Sharks side that had been unbeaten in their previous two league outings and was considered a title contender at the start of the season.
Newcastle's points came from Wade's try and a further score from McGuigan, with two conversions and a penalty added by Hodge. Sale's sole points came from a single penalty kicked by Ford.
Newcastle's starting lineup included Hodge, Wade, Harris, Rigg, and Kok at the back, with Connon and Benitez Cruz at half-back. The front row consisted of Rakete-Stones, McGuigan, and Millar Mills, supported by Usher, Tuima, Hicks, Christie, and Sotutu in the pack. Replacements for Newcastle were Togiatama, West, Moreno, Baker, Leatherbarrow, Graham, Elliott, and Henry.
Sale's team featured Carpenter, Roebuck, Marchant, Maasi-White, and O'Flaherty in the backline, with Ford and Hanson at half-back. The forward pack included N Smith, Cowan-Dickie, and Francis at the front, with Van Rhyn, Bamber, Tshiunza, B Curry, and T Curry completing the team. Their replacements were Jibulu, McIntyre, Opoku-Fordjour, Canakaivata, Dugdale, Lozowski, Louw, and Reed. The match was officiated by referee Matthew Carley.