SALE Sharks director of rugby Steve Diamond was left deflated after his side slipped to a 26-11 defeat to Bristol in the Anglo-Welsh Cup last weekend.

Sharks conceded three tries to leave them with one win from two games in the cup competition.

Diamond told the club's website: "We were out-enthused a little bit and they out-grunted us.

"They got a sneaky lead in the first half and we couldn't get back in it so they thoroughly deserved their win.

"I was disappointed with our performance, though.

"I think Bristol have had a change of management, and there was a lot of enthusiasm there to see.

"We didn't get control of the first half at half-back, we missed two tackles in the first half which led to their tries so if we're slack like that we don't expect to win.

"It's a good competition, teams like Bristol can get confidence out of it, we can blood a few young lads, and a few senior lads who are coming back from injury.

"We've got a home game in January against Cardiff Blues so win that and it'll hold us in good stead hopefully."

Diamond's side turn their attention back to the Aviva Premiership now and face Saracens at home on Sunday, kick off 1pm.

Diamond added: "We're fifth in the league and I hope we can kick on from there.

"However, there is plenty to work on."