BBC SPORT | Rugby Union | English | Sale too strong for Bristol

Sale Sharks 28-14 Bristol Shoguns

Sale have brought their three-game losing run to an end, moving up to third place in the Zurich Premiership with a gritty victory over Bristol.

Sale scored three tries, through Mark Cueto, Graeme Bond and Jason Robinson, to Bristol's one courtesy of Peter Richards - but there was little quality rugby as both sides struggled in the wet conditions.

Bristol missed the influence of their half-back duo Agustin Pichot and Felipe Contepomi who were on international duty with Argentina ahead of Saturday's test against Australia.

Shane Drahm did his best to fill in at fly half but was overshadowed by his opposite number Nick Walshe, who booted 10 points and turned in a fine all-round performance.

Peter Richards
Richards scored Bristol's sole try

Robinson was switched from full-back to outside centre but the Lions star could make little impact in his new position

His midfield partner and former Wallaby back Bond stole the show.

Bristol started strongly, but Sale never looked back after winger Cueto opened the scoring by touching down after slicing past the visitors' back line.

Bristol continued to enjoy much of the possession, but were made to pay for their profligacy when Sale raced into a 10-0 lead.

They managed to claw back to 10-6 at half-time, thanks to two penalties from Drahm.

But then Bond scored a try in the 49th minute and, though Bristol soon hit back with a try from scrum-half Richards in the right corner, Sale had established a winning lead five minutes later.

They moved into a 25-14 lead courtesy of a Walshe penalty and a try from Robinson, who winger Hanley had set up with a neat chip.

Bond then capped a strong individual display with an 80th-minute drop goal.


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