Sharks upset leaders Bath to throw title race wide open
Charlie Hodgson scored 17 points and set-up Oriol Ripol's try
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Friday, 28, Mar 2008 10:21
Sale stunned Guinness Premiership leaders Bath with a 22-6 win at Edgeley Park.
In treacherous conditions, the Sharks were guided to victory by the boot of Charlie Hodgson. The England fly-half continued his devastating form by kicking four penalties, a conversion, and a drop goal.
Spanish wing Oriol Ripol crossed the line for home side, who led 16-3 at the break.
Olly Barkley and Shaun Berne kicked over a penalty in each half for the below-par visitors.
Jason White returned as captain for the Sharks, Richard Wigglesworth was named at scrum half, while Mark Cueto missed out after suffering a reaction to his hamstring injury.
Bath head coach Steve Meehan rang the changes with Shaun Berne starting at fly half, Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu stepping in at inside centre, Andrew Higgins on the wing, while record kicker Barkley started on the bench.
The match was only given the go-ahead after a pitch inspection 30 minutes before kick-off. The surface has gradually worsened through the season because Stockport County play their home games at Edgeley Park.
The win for the Sharks puts them in joint fourth place after 17 games, two points behind third place Leicester. Bath remain top but Gloucester have the chance to overtake them if they win away at Worcester tomorrow.