Wasps again indebted to Walder’s boot but coach Woodman’s not satisfied by victory
WASPS coach Trevor Woodman was muted in his praise after his side edged out Sale Sharks 33-26 in a high scoring encounter at Adams Park.
The ever reliable boot of Dave Walder kicked 23 of his side’s points, with Riki Flutey and Joe Simpson crossing for second-half tries to keep at bay a Sale comeback after they had trailed 15-0 at half-time.
Woodman, whose side remain in eighth place in the Premiership but just a point off a play-off spot, said: “We are pleased with the win but the performance was a little bit mixed, some of our game management needs to improve and not play too much in your own half when you’re 15 points up.”
Walder (right), who reached 1,000 points in the Premiership with his third penalty, added: “It’s a great achievement but I was disappointed to miss the last kick. We managed to keep them at arm’s length.”
Wasps are now just a point behind London Irish after the Exiles slipped to a 27-19 defeat against bottom side Leeds.
The visitors held a 16-10 advantage at half-time, but Adrian Jarvis led Leeds’ fight back, converting Luther Burrell’s first-half score as well as Daniel Browne and Mike MacDonald’s touchdowns after the break. He then landed a penalty to give Leeds only their second win of the season.
Elsewhere, three second-half tries secured Exeter a 30-9 victory over Northampton who have now lost six consecutive Premiership matches.