Sale's bright start fades as Ford forced off and Saracens seize chance

ALEX Lozowski’s 22-point haul helped Saracens beat Sale 45-26 in their first home match of the new Gallagher Premiership season.

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Saracens were looking to build on a 35-26 triumph over Gloucester in their opening match of the campaign, but they got off to a difficult start at the StoneX Stadium.

The hosts were 3-0 down after just four minutes when England fly-half George Ford kicked a penalty from in front of the posts.

The Sharks number 10 had a chance to increase the lead a minute later with another shot at goal but, on this occasion, his effort fell just short.

Ford’s afternoon took an unexpected turn in the seventh minute when he was forced to withdraw due to injury in an early blow for the visitors.

Lozowski twisted the knife and got the hosts back on level terms with a successful penalty of his own.