Sale fly-half Charlie Hodgson returned from injury tonight to inspire victory
against Gloucester and send his team back into the Zurich Premiership play-off
places.
The 24-year-old England international produced an almost flawless kicking
display to send the Sharks back to the top three and still in the hunt for
silverware.
Two tries from Steve Hanley followed by efforts from Mark Cueto and John
Carter. The four tries were backed up by three penalties and four conversions by
the impressive Hodgson as the visitors were outclassed at Edgeley Park.
Philippe Saint-Andre's side had lost their last four league matches but were
always in control and never looked likely to let the visitors back in the game
after establishing a lead.
Hodgson, who will tour New Zealand with the British and Irish Lions this
summer, had been out for three weeks with a groin injury but showed no signs of
rustiness when presented with an early chance.
He despatched a simple penalty in front of the posts to give his side a
third-minute lead - and the hosts grew in confidence after they nudged
themselves in front.
Gloucester, in contrast, lacked cohesion in the opening stages. Scrum-half
Andy Gomarsall - who will join Worcester at the end of the season - looked
nervous, illustrated by him dropping a simple catch in his own territory.
Brad Davies missed an early chance to restore parity with a penalty from 35
yards - and he was swiftly punished as Sale scored the opening try.
Hodgson's intelligent pass to Jos Baxendell was off-loaded to Hanley who ran
in unchallenged from 20 yards.
Hodgson, who has been criticised this season for his kicking, converted and
added another two penalties before the interval to give his side an unassailable
16-point half-time lead.
Gloucester started the second period with more resolve but could not find a
way through the Sale defence, led by the impressive Andrew Sheridan who
justified his somewhat surprise Lions inclusion.
Davies had failed with a couple of meek penalty attempts but got his side off
the mark five minutes into the second half with long-range effort that just
crept over the bar.
Cueto, however, ensured Gloucester would not get back in the game by diving
over in the corner within three minutes. Hodgson converted.
Carter then scored a try after 62 minutes, taking advantage of calamitous
defending from Davies who dropped the ball just behind his own try line.
Hodgson, bristling with confidence, converted.
Davies reduced arrears by converting a penalty try but Sale were soon on the
attack again.
Hanley broke with seven minutes remaining and ran more than half the length of
the pitch for the fourth try, which ensured a bonus point for the hosts.
Hodgson, for the only time in the match, was off target with the conversion.
Peter Buxton went over for Gloucester in the dying moments to gain
respectability.
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