Sharks hit top spot thanks to hero Raffi

RaffiQuirke inspired Sale’s win yesterday

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HALF-TIME replacement Raffi Quirke inspired Sale to a memorable 26-16 victory at Gallagher Premiership champions Leicester that maintained their perfect start to the league season.

With Saracens not in action until today, the Sharks are now top of the table after making it four wins from four games by coming back from 16-5 down at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.

It was a superb return from England scrum-half Quirke, who was playing in his first match for six months after a torn hamstring, but another shock to Leicester’s system as they suffered a second straight loss.

Freddie Burns opened the scoring for Leicester with a penalty after six minutes after Sale’s defence, stretched by a good break by Harry Potter, were pinged for offside.