Worcester shock for Sharks

Worcester did their hopes of avoiding the drop a power of good, whilst dealing Sale's top-four ambitions a severe blow as they recorded only their second Guinness Premiership win of the season with a shock 22-15 victory at Edgeley Park on Friday night.

Warriors back-rower Kai Horstmann grabbed the only try early of what proved a scrappy, ugly affair, but it was the boot of recently-recalled Shane Drahm that proved decisive.

Despite their best efforts Sale could not breach the Warriors defence and were instead forced to rely on the kicking of Charlie Hodgson who notched all of his side's points with four penalties and drop-goal.

However, opposite number Drahm proved his equal, claiming the same haul with the boot, but also adding the conversion to Horstmann's crucial try as he finished with a 17-point haul to help inflict the Sharks' first home defeat of the campaign.

Sale, who had won their three previous Premiership games, knew a second league win of the term against Worcester would see them climb above Bath and Leicester to second in the table.

But, despite fielding a strong side that featured England stars Andrew Sheridan, Richard Wigglesworth and Mark Cueto, could not get going and lacked the inspiration of injured Luke McAlister in their backline.

Things started well enough for the hosts as Hodgson opened the scoring with his first penalty with just two minutes gone, but the lead did not last for long as Worcester hit back on ten minutes with Horstmann's try.

Early try

Drahm was the inspiration for the score as he launched a counter-attack with a fine burst from inside his own 22 that gave the Warriors a platform deep in Sale territory. Once the ball had been recycled, Drahm was on hand with a cross-field kick that wing Marcel Garvey contested, to leave Horstmann with the chance to pick up and dive over.

Drahm converted and, after Hodgson had landed his second penalty, added a well-judged drop-goal to edge his side 10-6 ahead. The ever-reliable Hodgson responded in kind, but another Drahm penalty ensured Worcester went in 13-9 ahead at the break.

The two tens exchanged penalties early in the second half, but it said something that the biggest cheer of the night was reserved for Wigglesworth's introduction on 55 minutes.

However, the England hero was unable to inspire a rather static Sale back-unit who were again forced to rely on Hodgson to draw them to within a point at 16-15 just short of the hour mark.

The expected push from the Sharks failed to materialise in the final quarter as the Warriors' stubborn defence kept them at bay time and again. In the end it was left to Drahm to seal the win as he added two more successful kicks on see his side home to what could prove a vital victory.