Saracens have hung on for a 26-20 victory in the Powergen Cup, surviving a second-half Sale comeback to reach the quarter-finals.

The Vicarage Road side played one of their best first halves of the season, roaring into the lead with a Thomas Castaignede penalty and then a Tom Shanklin try within the first 14 minutes.

Shanklin was on fire having just returned to match action last week against Colomiers in the Parker Pen Challenge Cup after an ankle injury.

The Welsh centre caught Sharks on the hop after he seared through their defence following a Castaignede penalty.

But full-back Adryan Winnan was also instrumental to the score, making vital space up field before Castaignede recycled the ball.

The French fly-half duly converted and the Saracens fans did not have to wait long for the next score.

This time it was the turn of prop Johnny Masters, who dived right of a ruck on the Sharks' try line to touch down.

Again Castaignede converted and feeling confident he added an impressive 54 metre penalty and a drop goal to put Saracens 23-0 ahead.

Charlie Hodgson finally got Sharks on the scoreboard with a 35 minute penalty, but that was where their change ended in the first half.

Sharks were a different team after the re-start, with number eight Phil Davies making the most of a lack of communication between Sarries duo Gerald Arasa and Kyran Bracken, running through to score an easy try which Hodgson converted.

A Tim Horan error then set Sale on the attack again and after England's Jason Robinson failed to get over the try line, Hodgson pounced on the ball to score under the post.

The fly-half converted to reduce the deficit just six points, but Saracens managed to hold and secure the victory.

Teams:

Saracens: Winnan, Arasa, Shanklin, Horan, O'Mahony, Castaignede, Bracken, Califano, Cairns, Marsters, Hooper, Yandell, Roche, Hill, Chesney.

Not Used: Ross, Williams, Skirving, Peacey, Kirton, Sorrell, Goode.

Tries: Shanklin, Marsters.

Cons: Castaignede 2.

Pens: Castaignede 2, Winnan.

Drop Goals: Castaignede.

Sale:M Robinson, Cueto, Harris, Bond, Hanley, Hodgson, Redpath, Thorp, Roddham, Stewart, Fullarton, C. Jones, Anglesea, Pinkerton, Davies.

Not Used: Marais, Yates, Turner, A. Sanderson, Wilkes, Going, Walshe.

Tries: Davies, Hodgson.

Cons: Hodgson 2.

Pens: Hodgson 2.

Att: 4,020

Ref: Dave Pearson (RFU).