Victory at last for Sale lifts Pete Anglesea's spirits

Sale Sharks beat Saracens 28-22 to end a run of five consecutive defeats in all competitions and give new head coach Pete Anglesea his first win.

Former club captain Anglesea succeeded Mike Brewer two days before Christmas, more than two months after their previous Aviva Premiership victory.

Anglesea's first game in charge was a 54-21 humbling at champions Leicester on Monday, but his side looked revitalised in front of their home crowd at Edgeley Park yesterday.

They dominated the first half, with new captain Mark Cueto and his predecessor James Gaskell going over in the first ten minutes and Chris Bell adding a third try before the half-time whistle.

Saracens looked more like a team third in the table after the interval, but could only manage a single try from James Short.

Cueto, who limped off midway through the second half, was joined in the side by fellow England internationals, fly-half Charlie Hodgson and prop Andrew Sheridan, returning from foot and back injuries respectively. Gaskell was also back in the side after suffering from an ankle problem.

For Saracens, Wales and British Lions international Gavin Henson made his first start for almost two years, one position outside his accustomed inside centre. Henson has made it clear that he is desperate to play at inside centre to force his way into the reckoning for Wales' Six Nations campaign.

Meanwhile, No 8 Andy Powell produced an inspirational performance as Wasps climbed into the top four of the Aviva Premiership after a 33-16 win over Newcastle.

Ben Jacobs and Serge Betsen scored the tries that put Wasps in control and the victory was sealed by 18 points from fly-half Dave Walder and a late penalty try.

Newcastle clung on until the final quarter, with fly-half Jimmy Gopperth scoring all their points, including a try just before the interval. But Wasps were deserved winners and Powell the heartbeat of their performance.