We’re back with another very special Slammin’ Sam B update – and what a day this was!

Thanks to the incredible Sale Sharks family — Michelle, Elise and our mate Sam J — the Balmforth clan were invited back to watch Sale Sharks take on Saracens on Friday 25th March. And not just watch — oh no — Slammin’ Sam and Hurricane Hazza only went and walked the team out onto the pitch! What memories were made.

But it wasn’t all plain sailing getting there. As always, there was a little bit of jeopardy beforehand. Sammy’s blood results needed to be good enough to allow him to attend, and after a week of seriously low numbers (0.06 neutrophils — yep, not a typo!), our Slammin’ Sam only went and smashed it! By Thursday, he had climbed up to 1.59! Just incredible. That gave us the green light to go.

Nana and Grandpa swooped in to help — they’d actually delayed their visit until we knew Sam’s bloods were in a good place. Once we got the all-clear, they were straight up the motorway. They offered to help with Charlotte so we could make the trip to Sale Sharks — even though Aunty Claire was all set and ready to have her overnight if needed. What a team we have around us. We’re so lucky.

We set off super early — not because we needed to — but because we were buzzing! First stop: the Sale Sharks shop for some serious merch. Dad might have been a little more excited than the kids… but let’s be honest, you can never have too much stash!

Sam J, Slammin’s new best mate, meets us as we walk in — and before we know it, we’re meeting Michelle, the owner of Sale Sharks, in the shop. Such a lovely person — and I think she has a real soft spot for Hurricane Hazza. She only goes and says to Harry, “Get whatever you like!” In fact, she tells Mum to grab something too! Generosity beyond belief. We grabbed Hazza a training top ready to walk out with, and Nix treated herself to a new Sharks scarf. (Safe to say, we’re part of the Sharks family now — and proud to be flying the flag for this amazing club!)

Big hugs all round (gutted we didn’t get a photo!) and off we go to the Platinum Lounge. What a spot — food stalls, bar, live music… Hazza had the time of his life dancing around to the amazing live music playing!

Then Sam J offers a stadium tour — and what a tour it was. The changing rooms, the shirts, the interview rooms (let’s just say Harry and Sammy need more media training!). Mummy even got her photo with Jamie George’s Saracens shirt — apparently she’s got a little soft spot for Jamie too… 🤣

Next up — walking pitchside and meeting the team as they arrive. Sam J takes us all the way through to the changing room entrance — VIP treatment again! And guess who comes over to say hello? Alex Goode!! Now, the boys know him as a top player, but I was geeking out massively. Even with us all in Sharks shirts, Alex came over to make sure the boys were okay — pure class.

Then the whole Sharks team arrived — high fives all round! Luke Cowan-Dickie, Rob du Preez, Alex Sanderson himself — all stopping to say hello, focused but still taking the time. Legends.

Back up to the lounge for a quick breather, meeting more amazing Sharks fans. Sam was getting a bit tired at this point & his legs were starting to hurt. Another Sale Supporter in the lounge spotted us getting tired & offered Sam his seat – what a gentleman!

Sam was looking out onto the field and spotted his picture on the big screen rotating announcing the mascots! What an honour!

And then — another huge moment. Pitchside again, the team warming up, and over comes Ben Curry. Now if you know, you know — Ben was the one player we hadn’t met yet. Injury and scheduling had always kept him away before. Such a genuine guy — we had a great chat about the boys’ future (obviously they’ll be Sharks players one day!), grabbed a photo, and just soaked in every second.

While we were waiting in the tunnel for the players to come out, we ended up stood right next to Jonny Hill. What a unit! But despite being an absolute beast on the pitch, he’s such a lovely, humble guy. We had a brilliant chat — and you could really feel the frustration that both Jonny and Ben Curry had about not being able to play that night. Massive respect to them both — you could see just how much it means to the players to pull on that Sale Sharks shirt. Proper passion and pride.

Time for the big moment: Sammy and Harry walking the team out.

Standing in the tunnel, Jaws music playing, crowd going absolutely mad, it was just surreal. First Saracens ran out, then Tom Roebuck (celebrating his 100th appearance — what a legend), then Rob du Preez leading Slammin’ Sam out, and Bevan Rodd (my man crush — England star in the making!) taking Hurricane Hazza onto the pitch.

Words don’t do it justice. Pride, love, joy… all rolled into one massive moment.

We then rush back up to the stands just in time to see Sale score immediately! Ford to Reed, then Rekeiti Ma’asi-White finishing — dream start!

And who sits next to Sammy? None other than Sir Billy Beaumont. At half time Sammy spills his water at Sir Billy’s feet — and Sir jokes, “As long as it’s not beer!”.

The game? Epic.

The forwards absolutely dominated Saracens. The backs were electric — George Ford pulling the strings, Aaron Reed with what must be try of the season. The Sharks were unplayable. It felt like destiny. If they keep this form, we’re heading to the final — no doubt in my mind.

Of course, there was pie and mash… there was chanting (“Sale! Sale! Sale!”)… there were laughs… and there were memories made that will last forever.

And because it’s never enough rugby for us — I even bumped into Alex Sanderson again at the Wilmslow Rugby Festival over the weekend (no, I wasn’t stalking him — Hazza was playing for Congleton Rugby Club!). Rugby community spirit at its finest.

This club — from Michelle, Elise, Sam J, the players, the fans — everyone — has given us memories and hope that you just can’t put a price on. From the bottom of our hearts: thank you. Thank you for treating our boys like superstars. Thank you for your kindness, your time, and your love.

Sale Sharks — you have fans for life.

#OnceASharkAlwaysAShark #SlamminSamB #SaleSharksFamily