SALE moved up a place in the National Two table after picking up two bonus points in a 40-34 defeat to Otley.

Early pressure from the hosts saw them take an eight-point lead with a try and a penalty before Liam McGovern closed the gap with a penalty for Sale.

Otley extended their lead to 15-3 when scrum half Depledge touchdown and added the conversion, and with Sale losing two players to injury it looked as though they were in for a difficult afternoon.

A try from Joe Kelly converted by McGovern narrowed the gap to five points.

John O’Donnell set up Sam Stelmaszek to race in for a try and with McGovern again adding the extras Sale held a 17-15 lead.

Roberts put Otley back in front with an unconverted try but in the final minutes of the half McGovern kicked a penalty and the conversion of Tom Ailes try to put Sale 27-20 ahead at half time.

It was looking promising for Sale in the second half until Adam Aigbokhae was yellow carded and Otley secured a penalty try, and a second score two minutes later to regain a five point advantage.

Sale then another player to injury before Depledge added a penalty, before Stelmaszek put in a superb break to score Sale’s fourth try and with the conversion added the visitors were just a point behind.

Unfortunately, Roberts scored again for Otley in the final minutes but Sale had put up a determined performance in the face of adversity and gained two valuable league points in the process.