Sale boss happy, Bates upset

Saint-Andre: Relieved

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Philippe Saint-Andre breathed a sigh of relief after Sale finally put an unwelcome record at Kingston Park to bed.

Sale beat Newcastle 14-9 away to register their first win at the venue after 16 attempts.

Charlie Hodgson scored the game's only try and Luke McAllister landed three penalties for the visitors, while Newcastle fly-half Rory Clegg hit two penalties and a drop-goal but it was not enough.

Sale director of rugby Saint-Andre said: "I am pleased for the players and also for Sale - it is so good for the supporters to break this record.

"Because we were in front we played field position a lot but our defence was very good and well organised.

"It is a good feeling to win here because we know it is always tough to come here and win, and it was very pleasing start to the season."

Sale had to fight hard in the second half as Newcastle increased the pressure and were reduced to 14 men when debutant Luke Abraham was yellow carded deep into the second half.

"When it was 15 against 14 we did not panic, our scrum was very strong with (Sebastien) Bruno missing and (Andrew) Sheridan missing so this is very good," he added.

Bates disappointed

Despite picking up a bonus point, Newcastle director of rugby Steve Bates was still upset to lose.

He said: "I am disappointed we didn't win because I think we were the better team.

"What we have to do is to learn to win in those situations.

"We had three or four pretty good chances that we did not take and at this level that is the difference between losing 14-9 and not winning 17-14."

On a positive note, he was pleased with the performance of England Under-18 international Clegg.

"Clegg was outstanding for a young kid playing his first game at that level against a backline full of internationals - I thought he did exceptionally well," said Bates.

He also reported that Newcastle flanker Geoff Parling was going to hospital with a suspected broken cheekbone.