Charlie Hodgson's drop goal made it five wins out of five for Sale - but they
were made to regret not making the most of their first-half domination.
Leeds picked up the pace after the break and caused the visitors problems,
drawing level with a try from Chris Bell midway through the half.
Only brave Leeds defence prevented Sale from being out of sight by then as
their forwards, inspired by Sebastien Chabal, dominated the first 40 minutes.
Sale set their stall out from the kick-off, their pack muscling to the line
following a line-out 25 yards out. Andy Titterell came up with the ball, but the
credit goes to the forward unit.
It was the start of pack domination in line-out and scrums that always had
Leeds on the back foot, and the few times they did manage to work their way into
the Sale half they were pinned back by some good kicking.
Leeds looked dangerous only when they risked opening out in their backs - and
they squandered a great opportunity when Bell kicked instead of passing to the
two-man overlap.
Exciting new winger Tom Biggs had the fans on their feet with a smart inside
break and kick ahead - but he was denied by some smart defending.
Most of the time, however, it was Sale - led by the rampaging Chabal - who
were on top. He was at the heart of everything and came close to grabbing a
second try when Titterell won the ball against the head 30 yards out, but his
offload was knocked on.
Leeds sent on Tim Stimpson for the second half for Biggs, who had picked up a
knock, while Bryan Redpath took over at scrum-half for Sale.
Stimpson's kicking meant Leeds were able to play more of the game in Sale's
half, and they drew level in the 54th minute with a well-worked try. Bell made
the initial break - and when Diego Albanese's dance to the line was halted two
yards short he followed up and touched down.
That just marked the start of intense Sale pressure which saw Leeds produce
some brave defence - including massive tackles by Stimpson and Alan Dickens, who
twice hauled down Jason Robinson in full flight.
But inevitably the visitors put more points on the board, Hodgson dropping a
goal to edge his side back in front.
Teams:
Leeds: Albanese, Rees, Bell, Snyman, Biggs, Ross, Dickens,
Shelley, Regan, Kerr, Hooper, Murphy, Dunbar, Parks, Rigney.
Replacements: Stimpson for Biggs (40),
Rawlinson for Regan (10), Holt for Kerr (69),
Uys for Dunbar (61).
Not Used: Morgan, McMillan, Hodge.
Tries: Bell.
Pens: Ross 2.
Sale: Robinson, Cueto, Rhys Jones, Todd, Hanley, Hodgson,
Martens, Sheridan, Titterell, Stewart, Day, White, Jones, Lund,
Chabal.
Replacements: Redpath for Martens (40),
Turner for Stewart (41), Schofield for Day (73),
Bruno for White (72), Caillet for Chabal (70).
Not Used: Hercus, Taumalolo.
Tries: Titterell.
Pens: Hodgson 2.
Drop Goals: Hodgson.
Att: 4,592
Ref: Steve Lander (Cheshire).
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