Sale Sharks were unlucky to lose by such a high margin at Vicarage Road against Saracens on Sunday.

Sharks stayed in the game until late on but Strettle and Hodgson scored late tries for the home side.

Sharks took to the field having won only one of the last eight games against their hosts, that being two years ago and coincided with Steve Diamond's return to the club.

Saracens are on the top of their form at the moment before this game having lost only one of their last eight games in the Aviva Premiership, that being away to Worcester on November 23 when they lost 3-12.

The game was Saracens 159th and last premiership game at Vicarage Road. They have an impressive record of winning 112 (70 per cent). They move to Barnet later this month to a purpose built stadium.

Mark Cueto took to the field hoping to grab the one try he needs to become the all-time try scoring record holder in the Premiership, having scored on his debut at Bristol in 2001.

Former Shark Charlie Hodgson topped the Saracens points scoring list this season with 136 in the Premiership.

Sharks started the brighter and went into a 6-0 lead with two penalties from Danny Cipriani who has now kicked his last nine kicks at goal.

Sale started to concede penalties as referee Wigglesworth seemed to go on a 'ping fest' and Owen Farrell kicked five aenalties. Indeed referee Wigglesworth spoke to Tuitupou about Sharks discipline and threatened a yellow card if it continued.

Sharks lost Andy Powell on 20 minutes and he was replaced by new signing Daniel Braid who was soon in the thick of the action tackling and organising the troops. Powell has a suspected broken hand.

Sharks were far from outplayed by the home side and looked dangerous as they moved forward.

Half Time Saracens 15 Sale Sharks 6 Sharks came out firing hoping to claw their way back into the game and Danny Cipriani reduced the arrears to 15-9 on 50 minutes, unfortunately the hosts moved nine points ahead again.

Sharks started to make their substitutions with Eifion Lewis Roberts and Alasdair Dickinson on for Ross Harrison and Tony Buckley. Cameron Shepherd replaced Tom Brady after the youngster had made a couple of handling errors in quick succession.

On the hour Sharks had their best chance of the game with an overlap but Kearnan Myall's pass to Cueto went straight into touch.

On 62 minutes Cipriani kicked his 4th penalty to reduce the arrears but it was short lived as David Strettle went in for a Saracens try on 62 minutes. Farrell converted. 25-12 On 70 minutes former Sale Sharks legend Hodgson latched on to a David Strettle grubber kick to score for Saracens between the posts. Farrell converted and built the lead to 32-12.