Kidney frustrated following Sale loss

Director of Rugby Declan Kidney was left feeling frustrated following Sunday’s narrow defeat to Sale Sharks at the Brentford Community Stadium.

Kidney’s side suffered their first loss at their new home, going down to a 21-13 final scoreline, on an afternoon when ‘the 50/50 breaks’ didn’t go the hosts’ way.

“It was a feeling of frustration at full-time for us,” admitted Kidney.

“Sale came out of the traps strongly, as we expected, but we weathered that well and were pleased to come in at 13-13.

“We started slowly at the start of the second half, but some of the decisions left a bit to be desired.”

He added: “I felt we did a lot of good things – I thought we played a lot of good football.

“There's a lot of things coming together for us.

“These are always going to be tight games, but to come away with nothing was extremely disappointing.”

Despite being on the wrong end of the final result, Kidney rejoiced in seeing 2,000 Exiles supporters in the Brentford Community Stadium for the first time, commenting: “It was brilliant to have the fans in the stadium for the first time.

“They created a terrific atmosphere, despite their only being 2,000 of them.

“Imagine what it would be like with 17,500 – the place would be rocking.

“I thought the boys responded really well to the supporters.

“I'm disappointed for the fans, and the boys, that we didn't get the breaks we deserved.”