SHARKS preseason tour to France ended in disappointment as they were thumped 42-21 by Montpellier on Saturday.

Montpellier took the lead after only four minutes with a soft try that was converted.

And just five minutes later, they doubled their lead when they scored a try down the middle, also converted.

Montpellier took both their chances well but the two scores seemed to wake up Sharks, who had two great chances to score midway through the half, although both chances were squandered.

Having soaked up the Sharks pressure, Montpellier increased their lead with their third converted try.

There were no more scores before the break and as they left the field, Sharks knew that for the second time in four days they were going to have to mount a huge fightback in the second half, trailing 21-0.

David Doherty scored Sharks first try straight after the restart and skipper Luke McAlister converted.

But straight from the restart Montpellier scored again with another converted try.

Sharks tried in vain to close the gap but Montpellier scored their fifth converted try in the corner on the hour.

Young winger Nick Royle scored a try for Sharks by the posts and McAlister's conversion made the score 14-35.

Royle scored again shortly afterwards, McAlister's conversion bringing Sale within two scores of Montpellier's lead.

Sharks went all out in attack to try and salvage something but Montpellier countered and scored the final try of the game, again converting to seal a 42-21 win.