SHARKS smashed one of the most unwanted records in rugby as they kicked off the new season with a 14-9 victory at Newcastle.

Amazingly they had never before won at Kingston Park - a millstone that had sat heavily around their necks for far too long.

But despite the typically inclement conditions in the north east, this time was different.

It wasn’t stunning stuff but it didn’t need to be, as Sale took an early lead through Charlie Hodgson’s try and never let go to claim an impressive opening day win.

The game survived a pre-match pitch inspection but the ground was still sodden and, coupled with a slippery ball, conditions were hardly conducive to an expansive game.

Undeterred though, Sharks took the lead after just 13 minutes, Hodgson taking a pass from Dwayne Peel before weaving through two defenders and using Sebastien Chabal’s decoy run to breach the try-line. Hodgson missed the conversion but the visitors were up and running.

Led by their sharp half-back pairing of Peel and Hodgson and aided by the power of their forwards, Sale continued to press and were unlucky not to score again as they threatened the home try-line.

Only a crucial turnover from Phil Dowson prevented another quick score.

But Luke McAlister, who assumed kicking duties after Hodgson’s early miss, kicked a penalty after Newcastle had edged offside to extend his side’s lead.

Debutant Rory Clegg, standing in for the injured Jonny Wilkinson at fly half, helped claw Falcons back into the game.

Sale too were punished after straying offside and the 18-year-old slotted a penalty to get the hosts on the scoreboard.

A further penalty from Clegg, which hit the post before going over, reduced the gap to just two points, while Tom May produced a try-saving tackle on Mathew Tait to deny him a score on his return to his former club.

McAlister knocked over another penalty before the break though to ensure Sharks went in at half time in command.

Newcastle continued to provide stern resistance in the second half and Sale were limited to another penalty from McAlister.

But the hosts launched a late comeback and Clegg scored a well-taken drop goal to bring them within bonus point range.

It was a slightly nervy finish for Sharks as Luke Abraham was sin-binned for a late tackle on Clegg with 15 minutes remaining but they held their nerve in defence to clinch a significant triumph.