Alex Sanderson reflects on Sale’s error-strewn performance in Gallagher Premiership semi-final loss to Bath

Alex Sanderson said Sale Sharks were the "victims of our own demise" after their Gallagher Premiership semi-final loss to Bath on Saturday.

The Manchester outfit lost an epic 31-23 battle with Bath at the Recreation Ground.

Sanderson's side looked the most likely to return to Twickenham in the second half, but a 74th-minute try from Niall Annett and Finn Russell's pinpoint kicking denied Sale another chance at glory.

The 44-year-old admitted he felt "a little numb" while talking to TNT Sports about his feelings after the game.

Sanderson said: "Frustrated, because we felt like we were victims of our own demise as well in that second half, just in that middle third, too many penalties and too much possession lost by way of aerial contests.

"And then underlying pride, just from the group. It's a real special group. In many ways, it's been one of the most rewarding seasons in what we’ve had to get through and how we’ve had to come together.

"I’ll turn my frown upside down and have a beer on the coach, and look to spend the time that I do have left with guys like Gus Creevy, Sam James, Cobus Wiese, Tom Ellis. Look to enjoy myself with them for the next couple of days, send them off properly."

Sale were ahead in the second half but allowed the hosts to recapture the lead, with Finn Russell kicking 16 points throughout the 80 minutes.
"Games like this turn on small hinges," Sanderson added. "It was just in the middle of the park where we gave too many penalties away, around the ruck, whether it be offside or competing for balls when we were told to leave them. 

"And on the back of a couple of 22s, two aerial contests that were lost. Just gave them possession after possession in our 22 and there’s only so much you can soak up.

"They came away with that try and closed out really well and fair play to them, it was two scores in the end and you can't argue with the result. But just frustrated that we could have done better, as always.

"And we will do better, we will be here again."

After coming second in the table and reaching the final last year, it has been an up-and-down season for Sale with some huge wins punctuated with heavy losses.

For Sanderson, it was a year of growth for his young and evolving squad and he believes they have plenty more in them.

He said: “We feel like we’ve grown our talent. Because of the unfortunate situation last year in three teams going down, a lot of people picked up some good players. Bath are one of those, they’ve recruited smartly. 

"We’ve grown ours, so we’ve got some growing left to do, obviously, because we’re not there yet. But I couldn’t be more proud of this group. I’d much rather be with this group than going to the final next week with another one."

The Premiership Rugby final between Bath and Northampton takes place on June 8 at Twickenham Stadium, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

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