Hodgson guides Sharks to victory over leaders Gloucester
Friday, 14 Mar 2008 22:19
Hodgson guides Sharks to victory over leaders Gloucester
Charlie Hodgson kicked 17 points as Sale Sharks beat Guinness Premiership leaders Gloucester 22-16 at Edgeley Park.
Hodgson, who was left out of England's squad for tomorrow's Six Nations clash with Ireland, kicked four penalties from five attempts along with a conversion and a drop-goal.
Charlie Sharples made his first Premiership start for a Gloucester side decimated by injuries and Six Nations call ups, while the Sharks started with Ben Foden at full back for the first time since the win at Worcester in November and Hodgson returned at fly half.
After a tight first half, the Sharks led 9-6 at the break thanks to Hodgson's kicking. He then kicked a 30-metre drop-goal on 43 minutes after second-row Dan Tuohy was sent to the sin-bin for a late challenge.
The fly-half created the home side's only try of the game on 52 minutes, with full-back Foden sprinting clear to cross the line.
On a dreadful playing surface, Gloucester scored a late penalty try while Willie Walker kicked the conversion along with three penalties to earn his side a bonus point.
The win for the Sharks cements their place in fourth after 16 games while Dean Ryan's side are five points ahead of Bath, but have played two games more.