SALE returned to winning ways after last week’s defeat with a five-try performance on Teesside to remain five points clear at the top of National Three North.

The visitors beat sixth-placed Billingham 41-22 on Teesside, but second-placed Sandal still have the upper hand in the title race after winning 23-20 at Morley as they have two games in hand.

Sale claimed a try within two minutes after sixth-placed Billingham were penalised in their own half, and following a line-out and strong running from Tom Davenport – coupled with slick handling by the backs – Jack Moorhouse scored and Liam McGovern added the conversion.

The home side responded quickly, taking play deep into the Sale 22 and went close on two occasions before winger Craig Shepherd touched down for an unconverted try.

Three minutes later a break by Sam Stelmaszek put Moorhouse over for a second try and with McGovern again adding the extra points Sale were 12-5 ahead.

For the next 20 minutes both sides found it hard to score. Billingham were hampered by some wayward passing and Sale’s best efforts were stopped by a resolute home defence.

With two minutes remaining in the half the home side were penalised some 40 metres from their posts and McGovern kicked a superb penalty to become Sale’s all-time leading points scorer in league rugby.

Sale upped their game in the second half with a third try for Moorhouse in the early minutes before Billingham responded well, but the Sale defence was in no mood to allow easy points.

A powerful run from Rhys Davies put Sale back into home territory and he and Moorhouse combined well to put Stelmaszek in for the bonus point try, and with McGovern adding both conversions, Sale led 31-5.

McGovern also added a drop goal before Billingham came back with tries from Rob Hamer and Joe Evans. Chris Townsend scored his first try for Sale with five minutes remaining and McGovern retained his 100 per cent kicking record with the conversion.

Billingham completed the match by securing a try bonus point when Chris Hyndman touched down and Peter Evans added the conversion.