The Sharks survived a late second-half surge from Saracens to remain in touch with the Zurich Premiership leaders.

It was a night to forget for the visitors, who could be in hot water for bringing the wrong kit to Heywood Road.

They were forced to wear Sale's red away shirts because their own black jerseys clashed with the dark blue of their hosts.

Sale got off to a flying start, notching up a bonus point by grabbing four tries inside the first 25 minutes.

They scored their first straight from the kick-off, full-back Vaughan Going running the ball back before sending Dan Harris over.

Just two minutes later the Sharks repeated the move from deep in their half, winger Steve Hanley adding the finishing touch.

Hanley was allowed to run in his second try after a clever chip ahead from number eight Pete Anglesea.

The visitors managed to stem the flow by scoring their first points with a try out wide from winger Richard Haughton.

But their joy was short-lived as Sale skipper Stuart Pinkerton crossed for try number four.

Nick Walshe added a pair of conversions while Andy Goode landed a penalty for Saracens just before the break.

After the interval, Goode and Walshe exchanged penalties before a burst down the right from Sale winger Mark Cueto ended with Going touching down.

Saracens replied immediately when replacement fly-half Ben Johnston went clear under the posts, Adryan Winnan adding the conversion.

A Tim Horan drop goal was cancelled out by a Walshe penalty, only for Saracens to reduce the deficit again when Christian Califano was pushed over for a try.

Sale: Going, Cueto, Harris, Bond, Hanley, Baxendell, Walshe, Yates, Marais, Turner, C. Jones, Schofield, Davies, Pinkerton, Anglesea. Replacements: Roddham, Thorp, Stewart, Fullarton, Lund, Deane, Wigglesworth.

Saracens: Winnan, Haughton, Sorrell, Horan, O'Mahony, Goode, Bracken, Flatman, Cairns, Califano, Quinnell, Hooper, Chesney, Roques, B. Russell. Replacements: Marsters, Kershaw, Benazzi, Peacey, Kirton, Johnston, Sparg.

Referee: Ashley Rowden (RFU).