Hodgson sets up Sale win
Charlie Hodgson led Sale to a 49-6 win over a stubborn Montpellier in their opening Challenge Cup match.
Last Updated: 08/11/07 9:37pm
Charlie Hodgson led Sale to a 49-6 win over a stubborn Montpellier in their opening Challenge Cup match.
The Sharks fly-half contributed 20 points to his side's total, including the opening try in the final minute of the first half which broke the French side's resistance.
Montpellier had threatened to make it an uncomfortable evening for Philippe Saint Andre's men as Mark McHugh cancelled out two early penalties from Hodgson to make it 6-6 with half time approaching.
However, Hodgson kicked a third penalty and then crossed for a try which he also converted to put daylight between the two teams at the break.
The second half was a one-sided affair as Sale ran in five further tries without reply.
Their French powerhouse Sebastien Chabal started the rout and Steven Hanley and Chris Mayor also crossed before Richard Wigglesworth added a late double.
Hodgson converted the first two to take his personal tally to 20 points, before Andrew Sheridan and Lee Thomas added the extras to Wigglesworth's two scores.
