Erratic handling denied Saracens a real point party at Vicarage Road and Sale had to thank 25-point one-man show Charlie Hodgson for keeping them in the match for so long.

With both sides keen to secure their top-eight status ahead of time, an explosive encounter had been expected.

However, from the moment Kevin Sorrell fumbled in the tackle after a 20-yard dash returning the kick-off, the tone was set.

So it was fitting that the first point should come from a driving maul, with lock Danny Grewcock touching down for Saracens.

Sorrell and Sale's Hodgson kept the score board ticking over with the boot but there was nothing breathtaking early on.

Saracens' last two league encounters had ended in defeat and question marks were raised when Sale's Mel Deane was sin-binned and the hosts could not make the advantage count.

However, shortly after Deane's return, Saracens got their handling together. Tony Diprose who made the opening to put wing Tom Shanklin through.

Sale needed something similar. It came when Hodgson spotted a yawning gap in the Saracens defence and scampered through for his first of two identical tries - one either side of the interval.

Hodgson's good work was almost immediately undone when team-mate Martin Shaw's looping pass exposed the posts for Saracens flanker Richard Hill to dash under from the halfway line to make it 27-10 at the break.

Hill unlocked the next door, making the break for Darragh O'Mahony via Michael Walsh's handy contribution.

With Hodgson's points drying up, further scores from replacement Matt Cairns and Tim Horran set the gloss on triumph, and the late Vaughan Going's touchdown was scant consolation for the Sharks.