Saracens (27) 32 Tries: Vaikona, Johnston 2 Cons: Jackson 3 Pens: Jackson 2 Sale (6) 19 Tries: Schofield Cons: Hercus Pens: Hercus 4

A Tevita Vaikona try, penalty try and 12 points from the boot of Glen Jackson completed Saracens' convincing victory.

Sale replied with a late Dean Schofield score and conversion and four penalties from American fly-half Mike Hercus.

The win was Saracens' fifth in six league games and lifted them above Gloucester into fifth place in the Zurich Premiership.

The result also keeps the club's hopes of a Heineken Cup spot alive - but Sarries coach Steve Diamond urged his side to remain focused.

"I've told people the only way to get a place in Europe is to fight hard and get into the play-offs," said Diamond.

"There's no talk about Europe in the dressing room now and I think the Gloucester game on the last day of the season might be a big one for us.

"We're not a great side unless we step up and play 100% like we did against Sale."

Meanwhile, Sale coach Philippe Saint Andre admitted he needs more players after Chris Mayor became the club's latest casualty when he damaged knee.

"We need to find a bigger squad and that means not signing too many international players," he said.

"The last few weeks, if I was fit, I might have pulled my boots on because we're short of players."

Saracens: Bartholomeusz; Johnston, Castaignede, Sorrell, Vaikona; Jackson, Bracken; Yates, Cairns, Visagie; Fullarton, Raiwalui; Randell, B Russell, Vyvyan.
Replacements: Scarbrough for Bartholomeusz (67), Little for Jackson (73), Raulini for Bracken (64), Chesney for Fullarton (61), Seymour for B. Russell (61). Not Used: Ibanez, Lloyd.

Sale: Martens; Mayor, Baxendell, Payne, Hanley; Hercus, Redpath; Turner, Roddam, Stewart; Jones, Schofield; Anglesea, Lund, Chabal.
Replacements: Wigglesworth for Mayor (36), Rhys Jones for Payne (41), Duffy for Redpath (67), Coutts for Turner (57), Carter for Lund (64). Not Used: Cox, Bozzi. Sin Bin: Schofield (39).

Referee: Sean Davey (RFU)