SALE stepped up their bid for a Guinness Premiership play-off spot after claiming their third straight league win, 24-17 over Bristol.

Their charge had stuttered during the first half at the Memorial Stadium, as neither team was able to register a single point.

But the game changed with the introduction of Kiwi wizard Luke McAlister at half time.

The All Black star replaced the injured Mark Cueto and although he didn't get on the scoresheet himself, it was his creative instinct and eye for a break that turned things on their head.

Sharks ran in three second half tries to thwart a spirited Bristol effort.

Defence was the key word throughout the opening 40 minutes as both sides endeavoured to create an opening but continually came up short.

Sale were the better of the two sides, although their best scoring chance was squandered when Cueto knocked on close to the line after taking a smart pass from Charlie Hodgson.

Usually so reliable, Hodgson also missed an opportunity to start the scoreboard moving when he missed a penalty from 45 metres.

But it was all change after the break.

It was Bristol who broke the deadlock though when fly half Ed Barnes knocked over a penalty to capitalise on a strong period of play.

Sharks were quick to respond, Richard Wigglesworth and Elvis Seveali'i combining to send in Jason White on 49 minutes. Hodgson converted to put his side in command.

Just seven minutes later, the pendulum swung back. Neil Brew pounced on a loose ball and evaded a tackle from Ben Foden to touch down.

But again, the reply from the opposition was swift. Atoning for his earlier in error in failing to prevent Brew's try, Foden claimed a superb individual score, beating four Bristol defenders to cross the try-line.

And that was that. Hodgson converted before adding a drop goal and Sale never looked back.

Chris Jones powered over the line to put Sharks 14 points ahead and effectively end the game as a contest.

Andrew Blowers butchered a late try-scoring attempt for the hosts when he knocked on with the line in sight but there was still time for them to claim a bonus point when David Lemi scored with time running out.