IT WAS a case of a Saddleworth family divided as Sale Sharks played Bath in the opening match of the season in rugby union’s Aviva Premiership.
Mike Ford was head coach of Bath whose team also included his youngest son George while elder son Joe was in the Sale side.
“It also happened last season when Bath played Sale and it is not a nice experience,” explained Mike whose side emerged 29-20 winners at the AJ Bell Stadium, with George kicking 19 of their points.
The brothers have, in fact, played against each other on five occasions including their debuts in the Aviva Premiership when George was playing for Leicester Tigers and Joe for Leeds.
George, who made the full England squad last season, said: “It was a weird experience to play against Joe for the first time, especially as it was both our debuts.
“We are now getting used to it and, for us, it is just a case of getting on to the field and trying to win the game. It is far worse for mum and dad who have to sit in the stand and watch us playing against each other.”
The Ford brothers were raised in Grasscroft and learned their rugby in the area, albeit in the 13-player game.
Former Knowsley Primary and Rishworth School pupil George began his playing days at Waterhead and Saddleworth Rangers while Joe, an ex-pupil at Saddleworth School, is a stand-off like his brother and also starred for Rangers.
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