High-flying Sale romped to an easy win over bottom-side Newcastle at Heywood Road.

The Sharks' five-try demolition was orchestrated by England fly-half Charlie Hodgson, who kicked 13 points.

Sale's tries came from centre Dan Harris, wing Mark Cueto (2), England full-back Jason Robinson and winger Steve Hanley.

In reply, relegation-threatened Newcastle managed only a penalty from Liam Botham.

I saw enough from this match to make me confident that we will turn things around Newcastle director of rugby Rob Andrew

Newcastle enjoyed long spells of possession but lacked the firepower to break through the Sharks' defence.

Falcons' coach Rob Andrew chose not to risk club captain Jonny Wilkinson, who is still recovering from a shoulder injury.

Wilkinson's older brother Mark deputised but proved there is no substitute for the England star.

An explosive start saw dangerous attacks from both sides but Hodgson, in his first home match for three months following knee surgery, eventually opened the scoring with a penalty.

Match facts Sale Tries: Harris, Cueto (2), Robinson, Hanley Cons: Hodgson (2) Pens: Hodgson (3) Newcastle Pens: Botham

But Newcastle surged back and put Sale under severe pressure for 10 minutes.

Sale eventually broke out and Newcastle infringed, allowing Hodgson another three points.

Newcastle replied through the boot of Botham on 32 minutes but were soon stopped in their tracks with two Sale tries in first-half injury-time.

Harris carved his way through for the first before Cueto went over in the right corner in the 44th minute.

Hodgson kicked one of the conversions and nine minutes into stoppage time added a third penalty to give his side a 21-3 lead at half-time.

It's a good way to start the new year and it's great to get back to winning ways Sale head coach Jim Mallinder

Sale raced further ahead six minutes after the interval when Cueto latched onto Hodgson's break to cross in the corner.

And despite another period of promise from Newcastle, the Sharks stamped their authority on the game with a scintillating solo try from Robinson from his own half.

Hanley capped a comfortable win when he intercepted a loose Falcons pass with three minutes to go.

Newcastle have not won a league match since October, and remain six points adrift of Bath in the Premiership.

Sale: Robinson, Cueto, Harris, Bond, Hanley, Hodgson, Redpath, Yates, Titterrell, Stewart, C. Jones, Schofield, A. Sanderson, Pinkerton, Anglesea.

Newcastle: Botham, Noon, May, Mayerhofler, Stephenson, M. Wilkinson, Charlton, Ward, Christian, Hurter, Vyvyan, Grimes, Dunbar, Mower, Newby.

Referee: Robin Goodliffe (Sheffield)