Sharks tear into Agen
Sale Sharks went top of Pool Five with a comfortable 29-14 Amlin Challenge Cup victory over Agen at Stade Armandie.
Last Updated: 08/12/11 10:33pm
Sale Sharks went top of Pool Five with a comfortable 29-14 Amlin Challenge Cup victory over Agen at Stade Armandie.
James Gaskell, Marc Jones, Richie Vernon and Luther Burrell all scored tries for Sharks in a rampant first-half that saw them lead 29-7.
But they could not add to their tally in the second half as Agen threatened a comeback but had done enough to secure the bonus-point win.
Nick Macleod was off target with the boot on two minutes but quickly got the scoreboard ticking with a successful shot at goal six minute's later.
They continued their impressive start when Gaskell capitalised on a Valentin Courrent missed kick to score.
Macleod was off-target with the conversion but Sale quickly got back on the scoreboard when hooker Jones crashed over following a fine counter-attacking from Mark Cueto and Cillian Willis.
A Willis snipe then set up Vernon for Sale's third as they made it 17-points in just 10 minutes before Damien Lagrange gave the hosts a lifeline with a try Courrent converted.
But Burrell crashed over for a vital bonus-point try following a trademark Sam Tuitupou midfield bust.
Agen's Pat O'Connor touched down on 52 minutes with Courrent adding the extras but it was too little too late for the French outfit as the Sharks hung on.
