SALE SET PACE FOR DERBY WIN

SALE'S league-leading set piece earned them a ruthless 43-10 win over Newcastle Falcons in the Northern derby.

- TOM JEFFREYS

With the need for a win increasingly desperate for Falcons on derby day, the Sharks showed no remorse with a bonus point wrapped up within 35 minutes, four tries coming from just five visits to the opposition 22.

Heading into the game, Sharks had boasted a 97.5 per cent lineout accuracy rate that had provided the platform for five of their eight tries across three games.

Make that eight from 15 now, the near-impeccable set piece providing the chances for Arron Reed and Tom Roebuck's first tries, as well as a penalty try.