AN apologetic Philippe Saint-Andre labelled his side's performance a disgrace as the Premiership champions succumbed to an 18-26 defeat at home to Newcastle Falcons.

Sale only managed to lead for 10 minutes of the game after an exchange of penalties left the home side leading 9-6 midway through the first half.

The lead soon changed hands, however, when a swift passing move from the visitors left Mike McCarthy to score in the corner. Matt Burke, who looked impressive all night, converted to put them 13-9 ahead.

The hosts' response was immediate, with a spell of pressure almost leading to Richard Wigglesworth squeezing through to score.

Newcastle's defence held strong, however, and it was they who next scored, with Matt Burke converting a penalty on the half-hour mark.

Falcons lock, Andy Perry was sent to the sin-bin for alleged punching before Daniel Larrechea kicked his fourth penalty of the night to send the home side in at half time 12-16 behind.

Sale failed to capitalise on their numeric advantage but did bring Newcastle to within a point with another converted penalty from Larrechea.

But the visitors again pulled away within two minutes when Burke's cross-field kick was dropped by Oriol Ripol, handing former Jets player James Hoyle an easy try, with Burke converting to open the score line to 15-23.

The introduction of five Sharks replacements, including Steve Hanley, Stuart Turner and Andy Titterrell, failed to change the course of the game and despite the visitors' Ben Woods being handed a yellow card for a professional foul, Sale could only manage an extra three points through substitute Lee Thomas.

With only 10 minutes remaining and Saint-Andre's side searching for that elusive try, Burke gratefully kicked another three points after the disappointing Sebastian Chabal had been penalised for verbal indiscipline.

Sale pushed for a try in the final 10 minutes and were almost successful with three minutes remaining only for Chabal to be held up just short of the tryline.

And the mood around Edgeley Park was summed up when Stuart Turner was sent off for foul play with 80 minutes on the clock after kneeing David Wilson.

Saint-Andre was the first to criticise his team for their performance. "I apologise, it was a disgrace. It's the worst performance at home since I've been here," he said.

"We couldn't catch the ball, we couldn't pass the ball twice and we dropped the ball. It was terrible, we made too many mistakes."

Few supporters who attended the match would disagree with this statement as it was quite clear that the champions greatly missed their international contingent.

The Sharks have now gone 260 minutes of play without a try. A 'record' that they will be looking to put right against an in-form Harlequins side, who have won there last three Premiership encounters.

Sale currently trail league leaders Gloucester by eight points and desperately need to start playing with the confidence that won them the championship last season.

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