Chiefs in charge

Hodgson: heading south after 11 years at Sale

Exeter Chiefs spoiled Charlie Hodgson's Edgeley Park farewell with a 30-24 victory in the Easter sunshine.

The Saracens-bound England fly-half slotted a penalty and three conversions in a typically busy display, but it was the Chiefs who edged a lively contest to end a four-game losing streak.

Hodgson's opposite number Ignacio Mieres scored 10 points to go alongside tries from wings Nic Sestaret and Matt Jess, and although Sale responded with scores from centre Chris Bell and lock Wame Lewaravu, Chiefs lock Tom Hayes sealed the win late on despite Will Addison's consolation try.

Exeter started the better and deserved the advantage given to them by an early Mieres penalty.

They extended their lead after a spell of sustained pressure on the Sharks' 22, the home side's resistance finally cracking when good hands allowed centre Phil Dollman to draw the defender and offload to winger Sestaret.

Mieres converted but the Sharks hit back with some inventive play of their own.

They were rewarded through a Hodgson penalty and the fly-half then helped level the scores at 10-10 with seven minutes to go until half-time.

Hodgson spotted an opportunity on the shortside before a neat pass from centre Andy Tuilagi put 18-year-old winger Addison into space, and his fine offload gave Bell an easy run to line.

Despite the return of England prop Andrew Sheridan, Sale's scrum struggled and a set-piece infringement allowed Mieres to edge Exeter ahead once more.

Eifion Lewis-Roberts was brought on to shore up the front row in his final appearance before joining French side Toulon.

But the Chiefs quickly took advantage of a mistake from Bell and winger Jess raced clear for a converted try.

With just under 15 minutes to go, Sale gave themselves a lifeline when Lewaravu powered over, Hodgson converting.

But substitute stand-off Gareth Steenson kicked a penalty before Hayes scampered over to seal the win for the visitors.