Sharks in hunt for top-four finish after win over champs

ALEX Sanderson praised his side as Sale secured a thrilling 27-24 bonus-point win over defending champions Northampton, which boosted their Premiership play-off hopes.

- MARK STANIFORTH

England winger Tom Roebuck claimed a first-half brace as Sanderson's team saw off the feisty challenge of Saints, whose hopes of a top-four finish are fading fast.

This victory moves Sale into the top four - temporarily at least - as both teams scored four tries apiece in an entertaining tussle in Salford.

Sanderson said: “I thought we were good for the win, but Northampton showed why they're a champion side.

"They don't tire and they don't give up when you give them little sniffs like we did.

"We put the pressure back on ourselves and they capitalised on that because they're very good on the front foot with a bit of quick ball.