Kevin Sorrell tries to break through Sebastien Bruno's tackle

Saracens 22 (13)
Try: Powell
Con: Jackson
Pens: Jackson 5

Sale 9 (6)
Pens: Thomas 2, Rhys Jones

Saracens shrugged off the absence of Andy Farrell because of a back spasm to extend their unbeaten run to four games with victory over struggling Sale.

His 20-year-old replacement, Adam Powell, scored the only try in a match played in driving rain.

Fly-half Glen Jackson kicked the other 17 points for the hosts, who led the Premiership game 13-6 at the break.

Sale's points came from two Lee Thomas penalties and a further effort from Rhys Jones.

Saracens have lost only one of their last seven games, but remain in fifth place in the Premiership after Wasps defeated Bristol.

Despite Farrell's late withdrawal there was some good news for England coach Brian Ashton.

Mark Cueto, captaining Sale from full-back, came through the 80 minutes unscathed, while two England forwards also got more game time under their belts after long-term injury lay-offs.

Saracens flanker Richard Hill lasted until the final whistle while Sale prop Andrew Sheridan played 67 minutes before being replaced.

Saracens director of rugby Alan Gaffney:
"Andy Farrell is fine. He spent quite a bit of time in his car on Friday, which is not the best thing for him.

"He looked a bit stiff, trained fine, but probably stayed out too long - 30 or 40 minutes - kicking.

"He could have played, but if he was not totally fit we were not going to play him. Nobody applied any pressure on me."

Saracens: Scarbrough; Vaikona, Sorrell, Powell, Ratuvou; Jackson, de Kock; Yates, Byrne, Visagie, Fullarton, Raiwalui, Chesney, Hill, Skirving.
Replacements: Cairns, Mercey, Vyvyan, Gustard, Dickens, Taylor, De Vedia.

Sale: Cueto; Mayor, Taylor, Sevealai'i, Hanley; Thomas, Foden; Sheridan, Bruno, Turner, Schofield, Cox, C Jones, Titterrell, Tait.
Replacements: Briggs, Roberts, Evans, Hills, Bell, Wigglesworth, R Jones.