MIKE Ruddock insists Joey Carlisle’s performance in his first Guinness Premiership start of the season proved the young fly-half can play at elite level.

Feb 2 2009 by Brian Dick, Birmingham Mail

Despite his side slipping to their sixth defeat of the season, the 21-year-old put in a good display with his excellent distribution and accurate goal-kicking.

He did so in an unfamiliar back-line that saw Marcel Garvey return from a long-term injury and claim a comeback try.

Ruddock was pleased with that, but he was more satisfied with the progress of his young play-maker.

“I thought Joey did really well,” he said. “He stepped up to the mark and looked composed and confident.

“His pass to put Chris Latham in early on was fantastic and showed the quality he has got. His defence was good.

“He definitely looked like he can play at this level. He learned a lot and is keen to apply it again.”

Even though he bagged an early try, Latham’s day was less enjoyable. He suffered a neck injury that saw him carried off. Ruddock will wait anxiously for news of his condition.

Sale made the most of the Australian’s absence and grabbed tries of their own from Chris Jones, Oriol Ripol, Neil Briggs and Chris Bell.