Lamont inspires Sale win

Scotland winger Rory Lamont scored a try and set up another as Sale edged a thrilling encounter at Edgeley Park, beating Saracens 34-30.

The 25-year-old did as much as anyone to ensure the hosts came away with a bonus-point victory and preserve their record of not having lost at home since April.

Sale went into the break behind 13-17 but scored three second-half tries against a brave Sarries outfit seeking a bonus-point win themselves that would take them to the top.

Lamont helped to craft a first-half try for Richard Wigglesworth and crossed the line himself in the 51st minute for the first of his side's three second-half scores.

Testing kicks

Charlie Hodgson's boot put Sale ahead with a fourth-minute penalty but his opposite number, the outstanding Glen Jackson, soon began to exert his authority on proceedings with a stream of testing kicks which had the hosts on the back foot.

A 26th-minute Hodgson penalty put Saracens 6-0 ahead but the response from the visitors in the reminder of the half was as impressive as it was clinical.

A Jackson penalty shortly before the half hour mark cut the gap to three points and three minutes later prop Kevin Yeates barged over the line from close range after Saracens quickly recycled the ball from the breakdown.

Jackson added the extras to hand his side a 10-6 advantage which was extended in first-half injury-time with a delightful try from Fiji flanker Sakiusa Matadigo.

First try

A bewildering array of inter-passing saw the ball pass through five pairs of hands and culminated in Adam Powell sending Matadigo clear down the left flank.

Jackson again converted but there was still time for Sale to claim their first try of the game before the half-time whistle.

It came courtesy of neat handling from the impressive Lamont, who fed Magnus Lund and his short pass allowed Wigglesworth to cross the line for a try which Hodgson converted.

Lamont raced clear five minutes after the break for a try which Hodgson again converted but a Jackson penalty soon after tied the scores at 20-20.

However, two minutes before the hour mark Lee Thomas scuttled over in the right corner and although Jackson claimed a drop-goal and a try which he also converted, Sale hit back again to win the match eight minutes from time.

The score arrived when Ben Foden crossed in the right corner to restore his side's advantage and Hodgson converted to end the scoring in an exhilarating encounter.