Sale Sharks get the better of Northampton Saints

Sale Sharks have clinched a 20-13 win over Northampton Saints in Sunday's Aviva Premiership clash at the AJ Bell Stadium.

The hosts got their first points on the board in the 17th minute when Danny Cipriani scored a penalty following a high tackle on Mike Haley from Luther Burrell, before adding another three points five minutes later.

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Just after the half-hour mark Stephen Myler restored parity with two penalty kicks of his own in quick succession, but Sam James's try and Cipriani's subsequent conversion ensured that the first half ended with Sale in the lead.

Will Addison increased the home side's lead just after the restart after gathering an up and under before running unopposed over the try line, before Cipriani once again added the points with his boot for a lead of 20-6.

Though Myler grabbed seven points through a try and conversion in the 53rd minute to put Saints within seven points of their opponents, Sale hung on to clinch the win and condemn Jim Mallinder's side to two defeats from their opening three Premiership games.