Honours even between Bath Rugby and Sale Sharks at the Rec

Joe Cokanasiga scored a late try to give Bath Rugby a share of the points with a 7-7 draw against Sale Sharks at the Rec. 

Bath dominated the early stages, camping down in the Sale 22. Six minutes in, the Blue, Black and White were given the first scoring opportunity, but Freddie Burns' long range effort sailed just wide of the uprights from 46 metres out.

Although the early territory belonged to hosts, it was Sale who had the next opportunity to put points on the scoreboard. However, Rob du Preez was unable to add the three points with the scores remaining level with 17 minutes played.

Bath continued to dominate possession, but faced a resolute Sharks defence, who stood firm under pressure.

Just a minute from the interval Sale looked like they'd found their way over the whitewash in impressive fashion.  The visitors spread the ball out wide to Rob du Preez who spotted Denny Solomona in space on the right wing. The South African fly-half floated a kick into the corner and Solomona was able to gather and cross the line. However, a fantastic covering tackle from Joe Cokanasiga dislodged the ball from Solomona's grasp to ensure the game remained scoreless going into the interval.

Half-time - Bath Rugby 0-0 Sale Sharks

The first points went to Sale, as Jean-luc du Preez scored the opening try of the afternoon. Following a succession of phases in the Bath 22, du Preez crashed over from close range, with his brother Rob adding the extras. [0-7]

Bath needed a response and the spark came from replacement Cooper Vuna. James Wilson cleverly found Vuna out wide just over halfway, and the centre darted his way past two Sale defenders to put Bath inside the 22. A clever grubber from Vuna saw Cokanasiga pounce to put his side within two points on the scoreboard.  Fresh off the bench, Wilson kept his composure to put the game all square. [7-7]

Neither side was able to take advantage in the closing moments, but Bath will take consolation from the two points which will move them up to sixth in the Gallagher Premiership. 

Full-time - Bath Rugby 7-7 Sale Sharks