Last Friday was a curious day. It was my birthday, and I woke at 5.30 over the Atlantic to a breakfast of fruit, bacon sandwich and a glass of champagne. Well it was my birthday and I was flying club class.

I spent the afternoon at home, jet-lagged, having flown from Philedelphia to London then on to Manchester. I was so pleased to be home with my family I forgot there was a crucial rugby game that evening: Sale Sharks played Leicester Tigers (Edgeley Park, 8pm). I must heap blessings and thanks on my wife as she insisted I go: I might regret missing such a game and it would maximise the joy of my birthday.

And what a game it was… Sale showed their true strength in depth. They were down 9 (some say 12) internationals and still fielded a side capable of beating the Tigers. The Sharks’ backs, especially Ripol, Robinson and Larrachea defended impeccably. I saw Robinson smash a breaking opponent straight off the park around 10m from the try line. Larrachea kicked much better than I saw him against Wasps. The pack did well but lacked the dominance of Sale’s first choice. It also felt we were playing 16 men as the referee judged every decision against Sale. Sale were reduced to 13 players for a time – last time this happened at Leeds. Same ref.

Also, I can recommend the beer at Ye Olde Vic. I wish I could remember its name.