Sale: (20) 39 Tries: Sheridan, Hodgson (2), Schofield, Bruno Cons: Hodgson (4) Pens: Hodgson (2) Newcastle: (22) 25 Tries: May (2), Stephenson Cons: Burke (2) Pens: Burke Drops: Walder

Sharks fly-half Charlie Hodgson scored twice, while Andrew Sheridan, Dean Schofield and Sebastien Bruno also touched down.

Newcastle led 22-20 at half-time after two scores from Tom May and one from Michael Stephenson.

But three second-half tries from Schofield, Bruno and Hodgson carried on Sale's bright start to the season.

Hodgson and Newcastle's Paul Burke traded early kicks before Falcons' May crashed over, only for prop Sheridan to cancel out his score shortly after.

I told the lads to stay patient and to make less mistakes Sale coach Phillippe Saint-Andre

But Newcastle hit back with two tries within three minutes, first from Stephenson after wonderful work from Taione, before May grabbed his second.

Burke could only manage one of the conversions and Newcastle were punished when Hodgson went over in the corner for a try which he then converted.

The Falcons began the second half well and Dave Walder extended the visitors' lead to 25-20 with a drop goal.

Hodgson then hit the post with a penalty which sparked Sale's comeback.

Lock Schofield went over first and Hodgson's missed conversion left the score at 25-25.

But Sale substitute Bruno clinched Sharks' fourth try for a crucial bonus point before Hodgson grabbed his second in injury time.

We have had a very short week and I think that took the edge off us a little bit Newcastle boss Rob Andrew

Sale head coach Phillipe Saint-Andre said: "It was difficult but I'm pleased because we didn't play well in the first half.

"At half time I told the lads to stay patient and to make less mistakes. "In the second half we were stronger, we had more possession and when we had the ball we looked very dangerous."

Newcastle boss Rob Andrew said a hard game against Perpignan last week contributed to the defeat.

"I don't think we deserved to come away with absolutely nothing. We edged the first half and they definitely edged the second half," he said.

"I think part of that was to do with the fact that we played Perpignan. We have had a very short week and I think that took the edge off us a little bit.

"They picked up towards the end of the game and we were tired."

Sale: Robinson (capt); Cueto, Baxendell, Todd, Mayor; Hodgson, Redpath; Sheridan, Titterrell, Turner; Jones, Schofield, White, Lund, Chabal.
Replacements (from): Stewart, Bruno, Caillet, Day, Anglesea, Hercus, Moore, Martens, Rhys-Jones