The Sharks survived a late second-half surge from Saracens to secure a vital five- point win which keeps them in touch with the leaders at the top of the Zurich Premiership.

Saracens' fightback was worthy of praise but they could still be in a lot of bother following a mix-up over their choice of shirt.

The visitors ran into trouble the minute they arrived at Heywood Road and realised they had brought the wrong kit.

If the two strips are likely to clash it is the visiting side who must provide an alternative and Saracens failed to do so, arriving only with their black jerseys which clashed with the dark blue of Sale Sharks.

As a result they were forced to wear the Sharks' red away kit from last season causing confusion among supporters and probably upsetting displeasure for the London club's sponsors Unibond.

The change put Saracens off their stride as Sale were allowed to notch up a bonus point by scoring four tries inside the first 25 minutes.

From the kick-off Sharks full-back Vaughan Going ran straight back at the opposition and slipped the ball to centre Dan Harris who touched down.

Just two minutes later the Sharks repeated the move again from deep in their half, and this time it was winger Steve Hanley who added the finishing touch.

The visitors' defence was in tatters and Hanley was allowed to run in his second try after a clever chip ahead from number eight Pete Anglesea.

The visitors managed to stem the flow temporarily and scored their first points with a try out wide from winger Richard Haughton, but their joy was short-lived as Sale skipper Stuart Pinkerton crossed for try number four.

Nick Walshe added a pair of conversions while Andy Goode landed a penalty for Saracens just before the break.

After the interval Goode and Walshe exchanged penalties before Sale winger Mark Cueto burst down the right wing to put Going over for a try.

But this time the London side replied immediately with a well-worked move which sent replacement fly half Ben Johnston clear under the posts. Adryan Winnan added the conversion.

When Tim Horan dropped a goal at one end for Saracens, Sale forged a path back upfield and were rewarded with a penalty which Walshe converted.

The Saracens pack were driving well and despite some resolute Sale defending Christian Califano was pushed over for a try.

As Saracens battled for at least a bonus point the Sale defence held firm.

Teams:

Sale: Going, Cueto, Harris, Bond, Hanley, Baxendell, Walshe, Yates, Marais, Turner, C. Jones, Schofield, Davies, Pinkerton, Anglesea.

Not Used: Roddham, Thorp, Stewart, Fullarton, Lund, Deane, Wigglesworth.

Tries: Harris, Hanley 2, Pinkerton, Going.

Cons: Walshe 3.

Pens: Walshe 2.

Saracens: Winnan, Haughton, Sorrell, Horan, O'Mahony, Goode, Bracken, Flatman, Cairns, Califano, Quinnell, Hooper, Chesney, Roques, B. Russell.

Not Used: Marsters, Kershaw, Benazzi, Peacey, Kirton, Johnston, Sparg.

Tries: Haughton, Johnston, Califano.

Cons: Winnan.

Pens: Goode 2.

Drop Goals: Horan

Att: 5,196

Ref: Ashley Rowden (RFU).