Sale Sharks got their new season off to a great start after a 39-18 bonus point win over Northampton Saints in the Premiership Rugby Cup at the AJ Bell Stadium.
Two tries from Simon Hammersley and a try each for Rohan Janse van Rensburg, Chris Ashton, Akker van der Merwe as well as a penalty try set up the victory under blue skies in Salford.
Steve Diamond’s side raced into an early lead as Hammersley darted over to score his first try for the club.
The hosts had their second try 20 minutes later as referee Andrew Jackson awarded a penalty try following problems at the scrum for Northampton.
Teimana Harrison crashed over to pull a try back for the visitors after an early James Grayson penalty. Seven points was the difference at the break.
Sale had their third try of the afternoon immediately after the restart as van Rensburg made the interception and ran in from his own half to extend the lead.
Van Rensburg was in the thick of the action again 12 minutes later as helped former England international, Ashton to run in from 20 metres, giving their side the well-deserved bonus point to leave the scoreboard reading 27-8.
Despite being so dominant, the hosts weren’t finished yet. South African van der Merwe scored his first try for the club 16 minutes from time.
Hammersley then scored his second of the afternoon to extend the Sale lead.
Northampton did grab a late consolation try through Alex Coles, but by that point the damage had been well and truly done.
Sale will now turn their attention to next weekend’s trip to Allianz Park where they will take on Saracens.
Photo credit: Premiership Rugby
Recent Comments