Champions Sale storm to top of Premiership
Hodgson's boot proved to be the deciding factor after three tries apiece
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Friday, 22, Sep 2006 10:16
Reigning champions Sale have moved to the top of the Guinness Premiership after a 34-26 win over Saracens at Edgeley Park.
England fly half Charlie Hodgson continued his impressive form with five penalties and two conversions as the Sharks led 19-9 at the break.
The hosts rammed in three tries through Mark Taylor, Mark Cueto, and Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe.
Saracens were led by tries from Rod Penney and Ben Jonhston while Glen Jackson added to his haul of 39 points this season, kicking three penalties and one conversion.
Andy Farrell remained on the substitutes bench for Saracens despite an impressive cameo display last weekend.
The result was Sale's third straight win of the season to overthrow Wasps at the top while Saracens remain in sixth with two defeats from four games.
Elsewhere, London Irish heaped more misery on Newcastle with a 26-21 win at Kingston Park.
Seven penalties from Barry Everitt and a try from Riki Flutey gave the visitors maximum points having lead 20-13 at the break.
Tim Visser crossed the line for the Falcons while captain Matthew Burke kicked three penalties and a conversion.
Despite a late try from New Zealand centre Mark Mayerhofler, Newcastle suffer their third defeat from four games.
The result sees Irish climb to seventh in the table on seven points while Newcastle languish in the bottom three on five points.