SALE only gained a losing bonus point from this game as Harrogate ran out 25-22 winners with two tries in three minutes late in the final quarter of the match.

There was little to choose between the sides in the first half as both sides produced some confident play but were unable to gain a telling advantage as the respective defences dominated.

Harrogate took an early lead after Sale were caught offside but as the penalty count rose the hosts claimed four first half penalties from Liam McGovern to two from the Yorkshiremen for a 12-6 lead at half time

The second half started well for Sale as Tom Ailes put in a powerful run to set up a scoring opportunity and slick handling saw Jack Moorhouse go over for a try, converted by McGovern.

The visitors started to have more of the game and flanker Guy Coser crashed over for a try following a period of pressure on the Sale line and Minikin added the extra points.

Although a McGovern penalty approaching the hour mark reinstated Sale’s two score lead, the game changed with 12 minutes remaining.

On 68 minutes, Harrogate winger Bottomley raced in from 30m for a try, and stand off Irvine then added a second three minutes later with Minikin adding the extras for a three point lead.

Sale came back strongly in the final minutes but a resolute Harrogate defence secured the win for the Yorkshire side.