Sale (13) 32
Tries: Roberts, Fernandez Lobbe, Abraham, Briggs Cons: Hodgson (3) Pens: Hodgson (2)

Bristol (6) 13
Tries: Ward-Smith Cons: Jarvis Pens: Jarvis (2)

Charlie Hodgson kicked 12 points in an impressive performance

Bristol suffered a 12th league defeat of the season and remain rooted to the bottom of the Premiership after being comprehensively outplayed by Sale.

The future of Bristol coach Richard Hill, who did not travel north, remains uncertain, while Sale move top of the table on points difference.

Bristol trailed 13-6 at the break after an Eifion Roberts converted try.

Sale's Luke Abraham, Neil Briggs and Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe crossed before Dan Ward-Smith's consolation.

The defeat leaves Bristol nine points behind second-bottom Worcester, who have played two games less.

606: DEBATE Will Bristol survive relegation?

Hill, who has been in charge of cash-strapped Bristol since 2003, allowed his assistant Paul Hull to take charge for the trip to Stockport and Hull is now one of the favourites to succeed Hill should he leave.

Two penalties from fly-half Adrian Jarvis gave Bristol a 6-0 lead but Sale hit back to claim a bonus-point win.

Sale claimed the only try of the first half when Welsh prop Roberts burrowed his way over the line from close range.

The impressive Charlie Hodgson converted and kicked a penalty on the stroke of half-time to put Sale in command.

Sale continued to dominate after the break with captain Lobbe crossing over in the 54th minute for a try which Hodgson converted.

The fly-half then put Abraham over for Sale's third try five minutes later for a converted try.

A fine flowing move ended with replacement hooker Briggs touching down in the left corner and the hosts wasted further chances before a late try from Ward-Smith, which was converted by Jarvis.

Bristol assistant coach Paul Hull:
"Richard decided not to come up with the team and gave me the reins so I'd try to bring in some new ideas.

"But there is no timescale for a review - Richard is head coach, I am assistant coach and we'll all be back in on Monday morning.

"We have done this for games before in the EDF and in cup games, where I have taken charge and given Richard a break."

Sale director of rugby Kingsley Jones:
"We are joint top and it's nice to be on 45 points but there are games to be played yet.

"I hate these sort of games, there's nothing to gain and everything to lose.

"Bristol had a lot of criticism from every man and his dog after their performance against Newcastle but they have got a lot of pride and showed."

Sale: McLeod, Bell, M. Tait, Keil, Ripol, Hodgson, Peel, Faure, Bruno, Roberts, Chabal, Schofield, C. Jones, Abraham, Fernandez Lobbe.

Replacements: Thomas for M. Tait (64), Kuadey for Ripol (57), Leck for Peel (70), Turner for Faure (60), Briggs for Bruno (32), Cox for Chabal (41), M. Jones for Abraham (64).

Bristol: T. Arscott, Robinson, N. Brew, Eves, Lemi, Jarvis, Perry, Irish, Linklater, Crompton, Attwood, Budgett, To'oala, El Abd, Ward-Smith.

Replacements: Blaney for Linklater (60), Sambucetti for Attwood (66).
Not Used: Thompson, R. Pennycook, Beveridge, Barnes, N. Brew.

Att: 8,605

Ref: John Paul Doyle (RFU).

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