Du Preez seals victory for Sharks

SALE 27 BRISTOL 10 FLY-HALF Robert Du Preez kicked 17 points as Sale secured their fourth victory of the season with a 27-10 triumph over Bristol.

Bristol started well, going 3-0 in front via Ian Madigan’s effort off the tee, but Denny Solomona’s try and three Du Preez penalties gave the Sharks a 14-3 interval advantage.

Sale controlled matters in the final 40 minutes and their stand-off effectively secured the victory with two more three-pointers.

Steven Luatua touched down in the 70th minute to give Bristol a glimmer of hope but the Salford-based outfit prevented their opponents from gaining a losing bonuspoint when Will Cliff crossed the whitewash right at the end.

Pat Lam’s men began this contest superbly, going ahead through Madigan’s penalty.

Bristol’s former Australia international George Smith was sin-binned for a trip and, after getting to within five metres of the line, the West Country side infringed once again, giving Robert Du Preez the chance to level matters.

Then came a piece of individual brilliance from Sale’s Sam James who picked up the ball on the left, chipped ahead twice before regathering and off-loading. Bristol were now in reverse and the pressure eventually told as Jean-luc Du Preez found Solomona to touch down.

Sharks had the momentum and their stand-off added a brace of three-pointers.

The visitors showed some nice touches in the early stages of the second period, but illdiscipline continued to be an issue and Robert Du Preez made it a 14-point game.

Bristol struggled to get out of their half and Robert Du Preez was there to punish any indiscretion.

To Bristol’s credit, they continued to battle and were rewarded via Luatua, but Steve Diamond’s outfit ended up deserved winners on the day as Cliff sealed the win.