Sale Sharks 25 Wasps 14

THE game started in positive fashion for Sharks who attacked down the left hand side and Tom Arscott dived in for his fifth try of the season on 6 minutes. Danny Cipriani's conversion attempt sailed wide of the left hand post 5-0.

Wasps rallied and an attack down the right looked dangerous but the move was brought to a halt when Tom Arscott tackled Christian Wade into touch.

Sharks were causing problems when they went forward and Danny Cipriani's tactical kicking was a joy to watch. Wasps came more into the game midway through the first half and had to concede a couple of penalties to slow things down. Referee Pearce had a word with Sharks skipper Seymour about the offences threatening a yellow card which was handed out to Michael Paterson on 26 minutes.

Wasps took immediate advantage of one man extra when Nathan Hughes scored from close range. Andy Goode added the extras and Wasps led for the first time 5-7.

Sharks hit back immediately and won a penalty when Christian Wade was penalised for his challenge on Tom Arscott collecting a high ball. Danny Cipriani opted to kick for goal, but his kick was again wide 5-7.

It was 14 v 14 after 31 minutes when Tom Brady was taken out by Will Helu, who was sin binned, and Danny Cipriani lined up the penalty from 35 metres out, but again he was off target.

Sharks almost scored their second try but Marc Jones was forced into touch. However from the line out the ball was charged down and Chris Cusiter pounced on the ball to touch down. The TMO took an age to decide before referee Luke Pearce was instructed to award the try. Danny Cipriani landed the touchline conversion to give Sharks a 12-7 lead.

Three minutes after the restart Sharks increased their lead with a twenty five metre drop goal from Danny Cipriani, 15-7.

On 49 minutes Sharks had the chance to move further ahead with a penalty from 20 metres out and Danny Cipriani again kicked the points, 18-7.