JOE Ford kicked off with Charlie Ingall involved in the early action. It was all Sale in the early stages and Mark Easter scored a great try from a pick and go. Joe Ford, who practices his goal kicking seven days a week converted from the touchline (0-7). Joe is known at the training ground as the lad who kicks the dimples off the ball!

Tom Arscott scored Sharks second try on 24 minutes when he collected a pass from Jonny Leota to race in (7-12). Joe Ford kicked the conversion from ten metres in on the right hand side (7-14).

Sale increased their lead on 31 minutes with a Joe Ford penalty (7-17).

James O'Connor reduced the arrears on 39 minutes with a well struck penalty on his final appearance for Irish. The penalty was awarded for a scrum offence by Sharks.

Sharks built up pressure and on 45 minutes earned a penalty and whilst Ford wanted to kick for goal, captain Seymour instructed him to kick for the corner. Paterson won the lineout and set up the ruck. Irish were penalised again in front of their own posts and Ford kicked the three points on offer (10-20).

On 52 minutes Marlande Yarde scored a try for the home side on his final appearance for the club before joining Harlequins next season. His try was created by James O'Connor who took the conversion wide out on the left. O'Connor kicked it easily and in doing so clocked up 100 points at the club. (17-20).