Sarries Sale past Sharks
Saracens kept up the pressure on Aviva Premiership leaders Harlequins with a 23-10 victory over Sale at Vicarage Road.
Last Updated: 06/11/11 7:08pm
Saracens kept up the pressure on Aviva Premiership leaders Harlequins with a 23-10 victory over Sale at Vicarage Road.
David Strettle crossed in the first half and fellow England international Matthew Stevens touched down after the break for the hosts, who sit four points off the pace in second spot.
Owen Farrell kicked 13 points, his performance with the boot overshadowing Charlie Hodgson's first game against his former employers, having ended his 10-year career with Sale during the summer to move to the capital.
His old club did manage tries from Rob Miller and Mark Easter in the final 10 minutes, though by then the game was over as a contest.
Sailed wide
Hodgson's successor Nick Macleod got the first opportunity to open the scoring when referee Martin Fox penalised Saracens for not rolling away after a tackle - but his fourth-minute penalty sailed wide.
Instead, it was the home team who broke the deadlock in the 20th minute.
Former Quins winger Strettle timed his support-run on Hodgson's shoulder to perfection, allowing him to break clear and score to the right of the posts.
Farrell kicked the conversion and then added a further three points when a penalty was awarded by Fox for another infringement at the breakdown.
Sale blew another chance to get points on the board late in the half when their decision to opt for a five-metre lineout in the 37th minute back-fired, Saracens stealing possession from the set piece.
Beyond doubt
A pair of Farrell penalties punished the Sharks for falling foul of Mr Fox and Sarries put the result beyond doubt with a second try just before the hour mark.
Hodgson kicked a penalty to touch and the lineout was successfully secured by skipper Steve Borthwick; the lock was driven towards the line and although he was stopped short, prop Stevens was on hand to get over.
Sale finally got off the mark after 71 minutes, rounding off a strong attacking move with a Miller try out wide on the left from a pass from Tasea Lavea.
Easter was then allowed to twist and turn his way to score on the right five minutes from the end, leaving the pointless visitors to regret the fact that they missed two penalties and two conversions.
