Sale Sharks 36 London Irish 8

Sale Sharks 36 London Irish 8

LONDON Irish kicked off and were awarded an early penalty 45 metres out for a Sharks player infringing at the ruck. Fly Half Chris Noakes had no problem with the kick at goal 0-3.

After 10 minutes Marc Jones won a penalty and Danny Cipriani kicked to the corner. Beaumont won the lineout, fed Marc Jones who was tackled on the line, but the Sharks rebuilt and David Seymour crossed in the corner for a try. Danny Cipriani landed the conversion perfectly to the delight of the home fans. 7-3.

Five minutes later the Sharks pack, already dominant won a penalty 40 metres out and Danny Cipriani lined up a shot at goal, but his kick drifted wide of the target 7-3.

Halfway through the first half the Sharks were penalised at the scrum off their own put in and fly half Chris Noakes opted to kick for goal. His kick rebounded off the upright and there was an almighty scramble before the ball was kicked into touch.

On the half hour there was a hold up in play after London Irish Fly Half Chris Noakes was flattened by Sammy Tuitupou. Referee Carley referred the incident to the TMO who said there tackle was fair.

When the game restarted Sharks won a penalty 25metres out and Danny Cipriani increased the lead to 10-3 with a sweetly hit kick.

Hooker David Paice was sin binned on 35 minutes after he infringed once too often.

On 36 minutes Sharks went further ahead when DAN BRAID was on the end of the now famous rolling maul to touch down. Cipriani's conversion hit the post but Sharks led 15-3.

Sharks really hit the straps and were awarded a PENALTY TRY after Irish attempts to stop the rolling maul.Danny Cipriani added two from the conversion and Sharks led 22-3.

On 49 minutes the Sharks pack smashed the Irish scrum and were awarded their second penalty try of the afternoon. Danny Cipriani converted from in front of the sticks. Bonus point in the bag and Sharks led 29-3.