Sale Sharks battle to important win over Saracens

Sale Sharks have claimed a massive 14-10 win over third-placed Saracens in the Aviva Premiership this afternoon.

Full-back Alex Goode, who will be hoping to play for England against Ireland next week, kicked an early penalty for the visitors, but Sale scored the first try of the match as fly-half Danny Cipriani offloaded to centre Sam Tuitupou, who crashed over.

The hosts scored a second try before half time as Jonathan Mills benefited from a powerful driving maul to touch the ball down.

Saracens went close to a precious try late in the match as Nick Tompkins broke forward, but his offload failed to find Chris Wyles, before Richard Barrington crashed over in the last minute off the back of a scrum.

Barrington's late try earned Saracens a losing bonus point, but Sale were able to see the game out and win their ninth match of the season.