ROB baxter

Good afternoon everyone and welcome to today’s crunch Gallagher Premiership encounter with Sale Sharks.

It really feels like we are getting into the business part of the season, particularly as we enter the last seven rounds, and pretty much the last third of the regular season.

What has made this season so different to many others is that so many teams are realistically fighting for the top four spots. As I write these notes, just four points separate third from eighth in the table. However, even the bottom three teams could all challenge with a run of form.

Our own personal form has been good, winning three out of four Premiership games. It was a sequence that lifted us to third spot ahead of last weekend’s fixtures. As it was our bye week, however, others capitalised and we slipped from third to sixth, meaning we now enter this weekend under a little pressure to collect points and drive ourselves up the table again.

Such is the competitive nature of the division, it does mean that every game is hugely important, and it makes a lot of games very tense and enjoyable for supporters across the country.

Interestingly, our last game was against today’s opponents in the Premiership Rugby Cup semi-final. On the day, we played really well and, crucially, started the game with real heat, which is always important against Sale as they are one of the top performing teams in the first quarter.

Most areas went well for us and our experienced players combined really well with a number of youngsters who had individually good games. This in turn culminated in a very complete team performance.

Our success that day means we will now head to London Irish on March 19 to contest the final and I really hope we can get a good deal of support there to cheer on the team in what should be a great occasion.

At the same time, I would also like to wish good luck to our players involved in the Six Nations Championship, both senior and Under-20’s. It is great to be seeing some senior players and stars of the future involved and hopefully the weekend goes well for them all.

Finally, can I take this opportunity to welcome Alex Sanderson, together with his fellow coaches, players, officials and supporters of Sale Sharks to Sandy Park

All the Best Rob