Sale Sharks' battle for survival

Sale Sharks play Newcastle Falcons on Friday 23 April. This is a game they must win to guarantee Guinness Premiership, top flight rugby, next year.

The Sharks are going have to attack from the start and use every sinew of energy and will-power to win. The crowd will be getting behind them, the noise will be incredible, the tension palpable.

And it doesn't all flow one way either. Newcastle Falcons will also be desperate to win in order to guarantee their own position in the Premiership. Sharks currently sit 11th in the table, whilst Falcons are 10th, but just a point separates the two sides.

As an added twist two brothers will face up to each other Mathew Tait for Sharks and Alex for the Falcons.

Now check out the date. 23 April. St George's Day.

Sale are going to make sure that while the rugby tension might be cut by a knife, there will be plenty of other activity and fun to introduce an element of relaxation.

Match Day Activities will include: Sharks wearing a special edition St George’s Day shirt in order to raise money for Help for Heroes and Sale Sharks Academy, soldiers attending on the day to do a bucket collection for Help for Heroes, clubs and schools from across the North West will be parading their silverware on the pitch before the match in our Parade of Champions, Sale operatic tenor Martin Toal will be performing a patriotic medley for St George’s Day before the match, the army will be allowing supporters to test their aim in the paintball firing range in the supporters' village before the game, and two lucky supporters will get the chance to kick to win a Mercedes Benz at half-time. And a free pint of Greene King IPA for supporters if the Sharks win!

There'll also be free Sale Sharks flags for all children under 16.

You can book tickets from the Sharks' ticket office on 08444 994 994 or visit www.salesharks.com.