It all came right for Sale Sharks in the second half as they brushed aside the
challenge of Northampton.
The Sharks started slowly but got their act together after the break and
notched up another four-try victory.
Neither side really impressed in a dreary first half where handling was made
difficult by steady drizzle.
The slippery surface frustrated Sale's backs as they struggled to play their
usual running game while Northampton looked static in attack.
Sale's forwards struggled for possession and Saints managed to sneak ahead
after six minutes with a penalty for Mark Tucker.
Ben Cohen, who lost his place in the England squad this week, was out to
impress and made his mark with a try after 15 minutes.
It took another penalty from Tucker to kick start Sale into action with
Charlie Hodgson pulling the Sharks back into contention with two penalties, a
try and a conversion in the last 10 minutes of the half which left his side
within a point of Saints.
After the break, Sale cut loose and Saints found themselves up against the
wall.
Pete Anglesea, who finds out on Thursday if a year ban for a gouging incident
in the game against Newcastle is upheld, went over five minutes into the half
with winger Steve Hanley showing the Saints a clean pair of heels to score 15
minutes later.
Northampton fought back but Sale's defence held firm and up-and-coming wing
star Mark Cueto landed Sale's bonus point with try number four as the game drew
to a close.
It was another busy day for fly-half Hodgson, who chalked up a personal tally
of 19 points.
Teams:
Sale:
Going, Cueto, Shaw, Davidson, Hanley, Hodgson, Redpath,
Yates, Titterrell, Turner, Fullarton, Lines, Perelini,
Pinkerton, Anglesea.
Replacements: Devlin for Davidson (80),
Elliott for Hanley (80), Dickens for Redpath (80),
Jackman for Titterrell (72), Black for Turner (66),
Giacheri for Lines (70), Wilks for Perelini (62).
Tries: Hodgson, Anglesea, Hanley, Cueto.
Cons: Hodgson 4.
Pens: Hodgson 2.
Northampton:
Tucker, Martin, Jorgensen, Leslie,
Cohen, Brooks,
Howard, Smith, Thompson, Stewart, Newman, Brouzet, Blowers,
Pountney, Seely.
Replacements: Hepher for Brooks (41), Todd for Smith (69),
Brotherstone for Thompson (69), Phillips for Newman (62),
Hunter for Seely (52).
Not Used: Soden, Vass.
Tries: Cohen.
Pens: Tucker 3.
Att: 3,612
Ref: Steve Lander (RFU).
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