SALE went top of National League Three North after producing an outstanding display of running rugby against a side who finished fifth in the league last season but have lost many key players this term due to long-term injuries and player defections to other clubs.

Sale quickly went into a 17-3 lead through tries by Adam Aigbokhae, Tom Bell, and Jack Moorhouse with one conversion by Liam McGovern, to a Phil Duboulay penalty for Beverley.

The hosts, who were matching Sale in the scrums, took play into the visitors' half and from a line-out Stuart Nel charged in for a try converted by Duboulay to bring the hosts within seven points. But in the move Nel was injured and did not return to add to the hosts' woes.

As the half progressed Sale increased their tempo and a fine break by Sam Stelmaszek set up Matt Simpson to score. And with Aigbokhae and Bell adding further tries and McGovern kicking all three conversions Sale held a comfortable 38-10 lead at the interval.

Beverley claimed a second try six minutes into the half from Jack Bunn but from then it was one-way traffic.

Ciaran Connolly claimed a try on 50 minutes and then in the space of 15 minutes Sale produced a master class of running rugby with four further tries from Moorhouse and a second for Connolly, two of which were converted which took the visitors to 72 points.

In the final minutes Shaun Strudwick scored his first try for the club, converted by Greg Jacob, and Aigbokhae scored his third try of the day to complete the scoring.

Sale are four points clear of previous leaders Sandal whose game at Rossendale last Saturday was postponed.