Charlie Hodgson haunts Sharks with goal-kicking masterclass

Published on 09/09/2012 01:54

CHARLIE Hodgson returned to haunt Sale, whose first Aviva Premiership game at their new Salford City Stadium home ended in a 23-16 defeat to Saracens.

Former Shark Hodgson kicked 18 points, Sarries’ sole try coming from Chris Ashton. Sharks’ try came from Will Addison, Danny Cipriani kicking 11 points.

Bath made it two wins from two as they beat Wasps 30-23 at the Rec.

Tries from Matt Banahan, Tom Biggs and Kyle Eastmond sealed the win, with Olly Barkley adding 15 points with the boot. Tom Varndell and Christian Wade crossed in the second half for Wasps.

Stand-off Freddie Burns kicked 25 points and created the try which swung the match out of nothing as Gloucester recorded their first league win of the season, 40-31 against London Irish. They came from behind three times, England No.8 Ben Morgan, scoring his first try for his new club, and winger James Simpson-Daniel and replacement flanker Akapusi Qera touching down.

Right-wing Topsy Ojo scored the Exiles’ opening try with Ireland scrum-half Tomas O’Leary and replacement prop Halani Aulika marking their home debuts with tries.

England centre Manu Tuilagi produced a two-try performance as Leicester Tigers won 34-26 over Worcester Warriors.

They scored five tries, the others coming from Fiji winger Vereniki Goneva, lock Graham Kitchener and a penalty try. Winger David Lemi and centre Alex Grove scored Worcester’s.