Saracens produced a stunning second-half comeback to dent Sale's chances of
earning a home draw in the end-of-season Premiership play-offs.
The Vicarage Road outfit - second from bottom of the table with nothing to
play for - trailed 23-14 after an hour expertly controlled by visiting fly-half
Charlie Hodgson.
But they scored 25 unanswered points in the next 20 minutes to secure only
their seventh league win of the season and give their long-suffering fans hope
of better times ahead next season.
Thomas Castaignede, Richard Haughton and Kevin Sorrell all touched down for
Saracens, who were awarded a penalty try late in the game with fly-half Nicky
Little adding another 19 points.
Steve Hanley scored twice for Sale, the first created by Hodgson, who also
kicked 13 points to underline his summer tour prospects for watching England
coach Andy Robinson.
Those who expected Saracens to roll over were disappointed in a feisty opening
quarter dominated by the home side, who had the advantage of an extra man for 10
minutes after Andy Titterrell was sin-binned for his involvement in a brawl
between the two packs.
They edged in front when Morgan Williams broke towards the posts and a Little
chip was gathered by Castaignede who touched down for the opening try before
leaving the field injured.
They went off the boil before the break, though, and were punished by
Hodgson's classy contribution as Sale established a 16-8 interval lead.
Hodgson kicked a 23rd minute penalty and his side scored straight from the
restart when the fly-half cut the Saracens midfield to pieces before giving
Hanley a 40-metre run to the line.
Hodgson converted, added a penalty on the half-hour and another in first-half
injury-time to put his side eight points clear.
Little pulled three points back and stroked over two more penalties as his
side made a more assured start to the second half before shooting themselves in
the foot.
A loose pass from Sorrell was picked off by Hanley on half-way and the big
wing needed no second invitation to race away and join Northampton's Bruce
Reihana at the top of the scoring charts with his 13th Premiership try of the
season.
Hodgson's conversion opened up what should have been a decisive lead - only
for Saracens to turn the game on its head after Little had kicked his fourth
penalty.
The first was fortunate when England Sevens ace Haughton took advantage of a
loose pass to scorch in from long-range in the 58th minute.
The second came at the end of a long spell of pressure close to the line when
Sale's defence finally cracked to allow Sorrell to force his way over under the
posts and make Little's conversion a formality.
Hodgson switched to centre when Mike Hercus was introduced late in the game
but the American's wild pass forced his retreating side to concede another
penalty which Little gleefully converted.
And Saracens completed the remarkable turnaround with another seven points
when referee Roy Maybank awarded a penalty try after ruling that Sale had
dragged down a scrum on their own line.
Teams:
Saracens: Kydd, Haughton, Castaignede, Sorrell, Bailey, Little,
Williams, Sparks, Parkes, Visagie, Raiwalui, Yandell, Chesney,
Hill, Randell.
Replacements: O'Mahony for Castaignede (15),
Croall for Sparks (50), Codling for Yandell (69).
Not Used: Philpott, Broser, B. Russell, Bracken.
Tries: Castaignede, Haughton, Sorrell, Penalty.
Cons: Little 2.
Pens: Little 5.
Sale: Robinson, Cueto, Mayor, Rhys Jones, Hanley, Hodgson,
Wigglesworth, Sheridan, Titterell, Stewart, Day, Schofield,
White, Perrett, Anglesea.
Replacements: Hercus for Mayor (69),
Benton for Wigglesworth (63), Turner for Stewart (58),
Davies for Schofield (58), Lloyd for Anglesea (80).
Not Used: Roddam., Going.
Tries: Hanley 2.
Cons: Hodgson 2.
Pens: Hodgson 3.
Att: 6,917
Ref: Chris White (RFU).
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