SALE Sharks claimed their first piece of silverware ahead of the season despite losing 33-17 to Leicester Tigers.

Steve Diamond's side brought home the Kings of the North title in the pre-season tournament but there will still be things that the coach will be keen to improve on this week with the new season kicking off against Saracens on Saturday.

The Sharks will be keen to get out of the blocks sooner against Sarries as they found themselves 10-0 down to the Tigers after 12 minutes at Welford Road.

But the visitors rallied and Tommy Taylor scored the Sharks first try of the day with Danny Cipriani adding the extras to take it to 10-7 after 18 minutes.

Cipriani levelled matters when a high tackle by Logovi'i Mulipola led to a penalty by the England ace.

The hosts were soon in the ascendency and Freddie Burns knocked over two penalties to open a six point margin at the interval.

The second half got underway with one change, with Sam Tuitupou coming off, with Mark Jennings coming on.

Sale started the second half brightly and just as they looked like they were going to score Peter Betham intercepted Cipriani's pass and then Tom Croft rounded off in the corner as the scoreline read 23-10.

Replacement scrum-half Peter Stringer tried to dart his way over the ruck and score and get the Sharks back in the game but he lost the ball and Sam Harrison cleared the ball downfield to leave the Sharks with nothing after 52 minutes.

The Tigers seemed to rally and were pressing for the next score of the game, and they eventually got it through Tommy Bell.

Sale were determined to stay in the match and this showed as they fought back following ten minutes of being camped on the Tigers try line.

There was a turning point when Tigers hooker Harry Thacker was sinbinned and the Sharks powered their way over the try line thanks to Mark Jennings.

Joe Ford's touchline conversion to leave it 28-17 with nine minutes left.

Despite the Tigers having the final say with Tiziano Pasquali's try, the Sharks were crowned Kings of the North on points difference.