Sharks shred leaking Leeds
Leeds' miserable away record continued as they slumped 29-3 to Sale at Edgeley Park.
Last Updated: 16/02/08 5:31pm
Leeds' miserable away record continued as they slumped 29-3 to Sale at Edgeley Park.
Leeds have not won on the road since November 2005 and their last league win of any description dates back to October.
Charlie Hodgson gave Brian Ashton a timely selection dilemma by scoring 19 points, while former All Blacks centre Luke McAlister and replacement Chris Bell grabbed a try apiece.
Leeds number 10 Alberto Di Bernado had the first shot at goal but he failed to make early pressure from the visitors tell as he pushed a kickable penalty wide.
And his miss proved to be all the encouragement the Sale pack needed as Leeds were penalised at the scrum, allowing Hodgson to score the first points of the game.
The Sale number 10 soon added to his personal tally; first knocking over a penalty after Magnus Lund was pulled back and moments later punishing further Leeds' indiscipline.
Incisive
McAlister was pulling all the strings for Sale in midfield and it was his incisive line that handed the home side their first try of the night.
Leeds collected a poor Oriol Ripol clearance but the ball was immediately turned over, allowing Hodgson to find McAlister, who cut an excellent angle and from inside his own half raced over despite the attentions of Leeds wing Tom Biggs.
Sale could have added a second try just moments before the break but Richard Wigglesworth and Lund were held up short of the Leeds line, while Lee Thomas knocked on with the line at his mercy.
Di Bernado struck early for the visitors with a penalty as Leeds attempted to rally in the opening minutes of the second half.
Control
However, Sale were soon back in control as Hodgson continued to add to his points tally, kicking a further two penalties as Leeds indiscipline was punished.
Despite dominating possession and being camped in the Leeds 22 for most of the second half, Sale failed to take advantage wasting a string of gilt-edged chances.
Sale's dominance was further aided when Leeds substitute Adam Balding was sin-binned for a high tackle on England wing Mark Cueto in the 70th minute.
Hodgson turned down three kicks at goal in the second half as Sale pushed for a second try and their dominance was finally rewarded late on as Bell scored seven minutes from time.
But after a performance of such dominance, they will be regretting not earning a bonus point.
