Sale thumped troubled Saracens 28-7 to reach the final of the Premiership Rugby Cup.

The Sharks put the visitors to the sword in the early stages at the AJ Bell Stadium, Steve Diamond's side now going on to meet Harlequins in the decider in mid-March.

By the midway point of the first period, Sale had surged into a 21-0 lead with Denny Solomona, Will Cliff and Ben Curry all crossing for tries.

Solomona got them off the mark barely 90 seconds into the clash when he darted into the corner after taking a smart off-load from Simon Hammersley.

The home faithful were off their seats again when Cliff dived in after meeting Marland Yarde's precise pass, while Curry also breached a stunned-looking Sarries back-line after grabbing a quick lineout pass.

Rob Du Preez was impeccable with three clean conversions, including the first and third from the touchline.

The second quarter of the game saw the visitors restore some order, with utility back Alex Goode - back in the starting XV after four months out with a pectoral injury - spotting gaps and going close to making much-needed in-roads.

Sale appeared content to simply defend resolutely in keeping Saracens at bay in the early stages of the second period, only for the away side to finally register when Rotimi Segun pounced on Goode's hopeful kick before darting under the posts. Skipper Tom Whiteley added the extras.

However, Sale swiftly responded by adding another converted score, this time as Akker Van Der Merwe dived over from close range with Du Preez slotting the extras.

Late yellow cards for Goode and Alex Day completed a miserable night for Sarries.