Leaders humbled by scintillating Sale

SALE turned in a sterling display as they comfortably beat league leaders Stourbridge.

The home side made a storming start when fullback Robbie Forbes finished off a fabulous handling move along the backs to put his side ahead after just four minutes. Sale soon snatched the lead back when centre Chris Mayor charged over after the Cheshire side stole Stour lineout ball, Chris Johnson adding the conversion.

Stour regained the lead when outside centre Chris Scott slotted over a penalty before Sale started to take control and added a second try just before the half-hour mark through No. 8 Tom Ailes.

A Scott penalty cut the deficit before Sale plundered a third try, flanker Andy Hughes flinging himself on a loose ball kicked over the try line.

Johnson converted and added a penalty to put Sale 24-11 ahead at the break, while Stour were reduced to 14 following Rod Petty’s yellow card.

The visitors stretched their lead after the break, Anthony Bingham racing over for two spectacular tries, his second saw him sprint almost the entire length of pitch.

Johnson added the conversion and a further penalty to put Sale out of sight, before Stour snapped up a late consolation try through flanker Nigel Mukarati.