IT will be a fitting reward to see Salford reach the rugby league Challenge Cup semi-finals.

They play Huddersfield this weekend in the quarter-finals, and that will be a tight game - Salford will certainly need to be at their best to win. But the Reds will be keen to avenge their recent heavy defeat at the Galpharm Stadium.

Warrington, Leeds and St Helens are my tips to progress from the other three quarter-finals. If Salford get through, I'd like to see them paired with Warrington in the last four.

WELL done Sale Sharks: that was a great victory over Leicester in the Guinness Premiership play-off final at Twickenham.

And well done to Sharks owner Brian Kennedy. He has taken them to a new ground, brought in the best players and made them a force. They are a role model for other clubs. It's good to see the balance of power in rugby union switch to the North West. Sale have had a fantastic season; I salute them and hope that they kick on from this.

AS cricket becomes more attack-minded, rugby league seems to be getting defensive.

I had an interesting chat at the weekend with Ian Botham, who suggested that the batsmen are getting on top in cricket due to better pitches and equipment. As a result, we are seeing a lot more fours and sixes.

But in rugby league, defences are dominating. This may be due to the `surrender tackle', which slows down the game in the ruck. I just wonder if too many clubs are placing a little too much emphasis on defence. If Great Britain are to win at Test level, they've got to improve their attack.

What do you think? Have your say.

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