Sale power past Newcastle

Robinson was instrumental in Sale's win

Sale 37-11 Newcastle

Newcastle boss Rob Andrew had cause to rue his pre-match arrogance as his side were thrashed by Sale on Saturday.

Andrew had said that Newcastle losing to Sale would be like the England football team losing to Albania - but Sale proved to be a tougher nut to crack.

Jason Robinson played a starring role as the home side overwhelmed Newcastle, who had taken an early lead.

And there was more cause for concern for Newcastle as another England and Lions hero, Jonny Wilkinson, failed to come out for the second half.

Wilkinson kicked Newcastle's first points

Wilkinson had given Newcastle the lead early on with a penalty, and they looked in control until Charlie Hodgson levelled the scores on 10 minutes.

Sale then moved up a gear with a try and conversion from Hodgson and a try out wide for winger Steve Hanley.

Hodgson added another penalty as Sale recovered from their slow start to finish the first half much the stronger side.

Robinson furthered that impression within 10 minutes of the start of the second half as he tunnelled his way through a pile of players to score Sale's third try.

Intense pressure

Their fourth came thanks to a terrific forward drive. New signing Stuart Pinkerton took the ball on and Pete Anglesea grounded it.

Newcastle hit back with a try from Hugh Vyvyan and after several minutes of intense pressure it took another dazzling run from Robinson to clear Sale's line.

But Sale rounded off an impressive display with a try from replacement Adam Black. Stand-in kicker Jos Baxendell landed the conversion from the touch line.

It may be only two games into the season, but Sale are now top of the Premiership.

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Sale: Robinson, Cueto, Shaw, Harris, Hanley, Hodgson, Redpath, Yates, Titterrell, Turner, Fullarton, Lines, Perelini, Pinkerton, Anglesea.
Replacements: Bramhall, Going, Baxendell, Wilks, A. Sanderson, Black, Jackman.

Newcastle: Walder, Botham, Noon, May, Tuigamala, Wilkinson, Armstrong, Ward, Howe, Isaacson, Vyvyan, Weir, Dunbar, Devonshire, Lam.
Replacements: S. Richardson, D. Richardson, MacLure, Balshen, Arnold, Grimes, Peel.

Referee: Dave Pearson (RFU)