Hodgson shines for Sale
Charlie Hodgson gave notice that he is back to his best as he inspired Sale to a 20-6 victory over Bristol.
By Tony Curtis
Last Updated: 23/09/07 5:48pm
Charlie Hodgson gave notice that he is back to his best as he inspired Sale to a 20-6 victory over Bristol.
Fly-half Hodgson has endured a torrid time having injured his right knee playing for England against South Africa in November.
The injury effectively ruled him out of a second successive World Cup, despite being part of England's initial training, while his first competitive return saw him outplayed by rival Toby Flood in the 33-12 defeat to Newcastle.
However, Hodgson now looks to have shaken off the cobwebs as he tormented Bristol with an assured display.
Backfoot
The Sale star picked up 15 points - three penalties and two drop goals - while his kicking out of hand kept Bristol on the backfoot and he set Ben Foden up for the only try of the match.
Bristol had taken the lead on 15 minutes through David Hill's penalty, however Sale levelled two minutes later through Hodgson's boot.
And the Sharks moved in front on 24 minutes when a delightful pass from Hodgson released Foden to scamper over in the corner.
Hodgson blotted his copybook by missing the conversion and then a penalty, while Hill cut the lead to two points with his second three-pointer.
However the boot of Hodgson ensured Sale remained in control after the interval - with the Sale No.10 kicked his first drop goal from 35 metres, before adding two further penalties.
Hodgson wrapped up the win with another long-range drop goal late on.
