Sale go second as Ford scores in win over Saracens

Gallagher Premiership

Sale (22) 25

Ford 2 Pens: Ford 2 Refs: Ma’asi-White, Ford, Reed Cons:

Saracens (7) 7

As the Sharks defeated Saracens in a fiery match to move up to second in the Premiership, England fly-half George Ford scored his first try for Sale.

Within 90 seconds, Rekeiti Ma’asi-White gave the hosts the lead before Ford’s brilliant run between the posts.

Before Angus Hall responded for Saracens, who were trailing 22-7 at the break, Arron Reed ran the length of the pitch to score one of the season’s tries.

As Sale won the match, Bristol Bears and Leicester Tigers, who both play on Saturday, were able to score a penalty in a more controlled second half.

Referee Christophe Ridley’s error prevented Raffi Quirke from scoring a certain fourth try when he blew up for a Sale knock-on, which replays revealed had been the result of Sarries flanker Nick Isiekwe’s error.

Saracens misses their chance to finish in the top four, and they could go as low as sixth overall.

Replacements: McIlroy, McIntyre, John, Beaumont, D. Du Preez, Dugdale, Quirke, and O’Flaherty

Saracens: Daly, Hall, Tompkins, Hartley, Segum, Burke, Van Zyl, Carre, George, Clarey, Itoje, Tizard, Isiekwe, Earl, Willis

Replacements: Goode, Gonzalez, Mawi, Beaton, McFarland, Onyeama-Christie, Bracken, and Dan.