SALE FC's first encounter with Stourbridge was played out in atrocious conditions at Heywood Road with almost all the points being scored in the first 13 minutes of the game.

The hosts were victorious after overcoming the elements to win 13-10 andf bounce back from back-to-back league defeats.

Stourbridge made a strong start and with just two minutes played secure handling led to their winger Josh Trinham racing in for the opening try, converted by Chris Scott.

Sale responded positively and when Stourbridge transgressed in their half Liam McGovern narrowed the gap to four points with a well-struck penalty.

The home side came back into the visitors' half from the restart and maintained pressure in the 22 for prop Jake Pope to barge over from close range for a try converted by McGovern to put Sale in front by three points.

That lead only lasted two minutes before Scott secured a penalty for the visitors to level the scores.

John O’Donnell looked to have scored after following a kick ahead but the referee deemed otherwise, as both sides attempted to open out the game despite the conditions.

With the scores level at half time it was always likely to be a single opportunity that would secure the spoils.

Sale started the second half well with the Stourbridge full-back under pressure after strong running from Chris Mayor, and moments later Jack Moorhouse was tackled into touch within a metre of the visitors' try line.

Sale lost O’Donnell to the sin bin midway through the half but Stourbridge found it hard to put any sustained pressure on the home side as conditions deteriorated.

And with five minutes remaining Stourbridge prop Stefan Thorp was also shown a yellow card for a late tackle.

There was little opportunity for either side to create a scoring chance but Stourbridge were penalised 30 metres from their own posts and McGovern put in a fine kick against the wind and rain to secure the vital three points.