Sale Sharks made the most of an error-strewn performance from Northampton Saints to secure a 20-7 win over the Aviva Premiership leaders this afternoon.
A scrappy start by the visitors allowed Sale to take control early on, with Danny Cipriani kicking a couple of early penalties to give the hosts the lead.
The Sharks extended their advantage before the break when Eifion Lewis-Roberts powered over, while Sam Dickinson was sent to the sin bin for tackling a man without the ball in the run-up to the try.
Northampton were down to 14 men again early in the second half when Calum Clark was sent to the sin bin, allowing Dan Braid to find the room to add a second Sale try.
Teimana Harrison got the visitors off the mark late on once they were back up to full strength, but it was too late for Northampton to avoid the defeat.
Despite the loss, Saints hold on to top spot in the table, while Sale sit seventh.
Sian Cowper
