SALE fell to a 15-9 defeat at the hands of Bristol at the Memorial Stadium on Friday night.

Bristol's Kiwi debutant David Hill kicked five penalties to rack up the home side's score, while two goals from Sale's Daniel Larrechea proved insufficient for the visitors.

The disappointing result leaves Sale without a win at Bristol since September 2001.

They had a promising start when Sililo Martens fed half back partner Larrechea who slotted home a 22-metre drop goal.

A further penalty for Larrechea and two for Hill left the sides tied at 6-6 at half time.

Hill's skills brought about the win more than anything else, and it would always be an uphill struggle for Sharks when they lost England international Chris Jones to a second half yellow card - for pulling down a rolling maul 10 metres from his own line.

Sharks number eight Sebastien Chabal was lucky not to follow Jones to the sin bin, after kicking away the ball in frustration as his side were penalised for standing up in a scrum.

From the resulting penalty, Hill put his side into the lead and added two more later in the match to secure the win.

Speaking after the match, Sale director of rugby Phillippe Saint-Andre said: "It was almost an embarrassment for the supporters watching the game I think it is impossible to play seven games when the international are on.

"Some games in the Premiership are great, but I don't think this one will be up there - and both sides were to blame."