MATCH FACTS Leeds (6) 11 Try: Bell Pens: Ross (2) Sale (11) 14 Try: Titterell Pens: Hodgson (2) DG: Hodgson

A drop goal by Charlie Hodgson 10 minutes from time was just enough for Sale to edge out northern rivals Leeds.

The England international, who earlier slotted over two penalties, marshalled his side superbly for Sale's fifth win out of five in the Premiership.

Andy Titterell put Sale into a lead Leeds failed to overturn when he forced his way over after just two minutes.

Gordon Ross' kicking and a Chris Bell try brought the scores level at 11-11 before Hodgson won it for Sale.

Afterwards Sale captain Jason Robinson said: "When the final whistle went my main feeling was of disappointment that we didn't play anything like we should have.

"That was partly because of Leeds, but we didn't keep hold of the ball and made too many mistakes but we got the points and that is important."

Our use of the ball didn't match up to our play when we didn't have it Leeds' Phil Davies

The game's first points were quickly on the board when Titterell came away with the ball from a line-out 25 yards.

Leeds, though, kept themselves in the hunt with some superb forward play, which was to remain the feature of the game.

The pick of the play came from number eight Sebastien Chabal, who was the life and soul of Sale's pack.

Leeds went into the break 11-6 down after Ross and Hodgson swapped kicks.

But the scores were level in the 54th minute when Bell broke loose, set Diego Albanese on his way and then completed the move when Albanese was caught just short of the line.

That set up a tense finale, which was edged by Sale courtesy of Hodgson's boot.

Leeds director of rugby Phil Davies said his side, who are now second bottom in the league, "need to start winning".

"We pressed them well but our use of the ball didn't match up to our play when we didn't have it," said Davies.

Sale: Robinson, Cueto, Rhys Jones, Todd, Hanley, Hodgson, Martens, Sheridan, Titterrell, Stewart, Day, White, Jones, Lund, Chabal.
Replacements: Caillet, Schofield, Anglesea, Turner, Bruno, Moore, Redpath, Hercus, Taumalolo.

Att: 4,592