SALE Sharks made it two wins in two after triumphing 20-13 against Northampton Saints at the AJ Bell Stadium in the Aviva Premiership.

After a nervy start, the Sharks had the chance to claim the lead after 14 minutes, following a penalty at a rolling maul but Danny Cipriani's penalty sailed to the left of the uprights.

But the England international made up for his error by putting Sharks 3-0 ahead after a high tackle on Mike Haley after 17 minutes.

Cipriani extended the Sharks lead as he kicked another penalty from 35m out.

The Saints reduced the deficit as the hosts were penalised for going off their feet at the ruck and Stephen Myler got the visitors first points to make it 6-3.

Myler added his second penalty of the game but it was Sharks who had the final say in the half as Tom Arscott offloaded to Josh Beaumont.

The number eight offloaded to centre Sam James who broke down the left wing, chipped ahead, and thanks to a kind bounce of the rugby ball, gathered it up and scored a superb solo try.

Cipriani converted to make it 13-6 at the interval.

Steve Diamond's side started the second half brighter scoring a try through winger Will Addison.

He stole an up-and-under ball from George Pisi and had the gas to score under the sticks much to the delight of the home fans. for a converted try after 43 minutes.

The Saints battled to get back in the game but had a try by Jamie Gibson ruled out due to a foot in touch.

The onslaught continued as Myler who came onto a flat pass with pace to power his way over the tryline.

He converted his own try from the touchline to leave it 20-13 after 55 minutes.

The visitors applied more pressure in the Sharks 22 but the Sharks defence was superb.

Sale had a chance to extend their lead but Cipriani's kick went wide on 66 minutes.

With 10 minutes left on the clock, hooker Neil Briggs put in a great clearance kick to lift some of the pressure on the Sharks try-line.

Despite a lot of pressure, the Sharks held on and they were able to celebrate their second victory of the season.

Sharks: Mike Haley, Tom Arscott, Sam James, Johnny Leota, Will Addison (Mark Jennings, 54), Danny Cipriani (Nick McLeod, 76), Chris Cusiter (Peter Stringer, 51), Ross Harrison (James Flynn, 64), Tommy Taylor (Neil Briggs, 64), Vadim Cobilas (Brian Mujati, 54), Bryn Evans, Jonathan Mills (Andrei Ostrikov, 54), Dan Braid (c) (Magnus Lund, 54), TJ Ioane, Josh Beaumont