SALE Sharks recorded only their second win at Kingston Park in 21 attempts last Friday to get the North East monkey off their backs.

Falcons were soon on the front foot and won a penalty after only two minutes which Phil Godman kicked easily 0-3.

From the restart Sale started to build and won a penalty of their own on five minutes forty metres out which Danny Cipriani kicked with ease. 3-3.

Tom Brady livened up proceedings with a great touchline run on 23 minutes, beating off two attempted tackles to touch down. 8-3, Cipriani converted 10-3.

The try awakened the Falcons who put pressure on the Sharks defence with a driving maul from the lineout and Andy Saull emerged from the bottom of a pile of players to claim the try, 10-8. Godman's conversion attempt from the touchline fell short.

On the stroke of half time Sharks were awarded a penalty 15metres out which Cipriani kicked to give Sale Sharks a 13-8 Half time lead.

Viliami Fahiki took the place of James Gaskell at half time and just as the team took to the field the heavens opened so Sharks were now playing into driving rain.

On 62 minutes Sharks won a penalty 30 metres out which Danny Cipriani lined up but it drifted wide 13-8.

On 73 minutes, Nick Macleod who had replaced Cipriani had his first opportunity to put points on the board and his 25 metre penalty was perfect 16-8.

The Sharks defence was immense in the last few minutes and Newcastle Falcons were going sideways , making very little ground.