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Rugby Union

Sharks see off Leeds

30/12/2007

Sale came from behind to beat Leeds Carnegie 34-20 at Headingley in the Guinness Premiership.

The Sharks were led to victory by tries from Chris Mayor, Oriol Ripol and a brace from Lee Thomas, a win which puts them into fifth place in the table.

Leeds' director of rugby Stuart Lancaster rang the changes with loan signing Adam Balding making his full debut. Lock Erik Lund returned from illness to go head-to-head with his brother, Magnus, who started for the Sharks.

For the visitors Thomas replaced centre Luke McAllister who was missing because of a leg injury. Lock Brent Cockbain started while winger Rory Lamont was not part of the squad due to injury.

Rock-bottom Leeds, who have managed just one win all season, raced into a 10-0 lead thanks to Tommy McGhee's converted try and Leigh Hinton's penalty.

But the Sharks, who had mustered only one away win before today, hit back with two penalties from Charlie Hodgson to reduce their deficit.

Thomas then crossed the line to give the visitors a 13-10 lead at the break. He scored his second at the start of the second half before Tom Biggs crashed over for Leeds.

Sale clinched a bonus point when Mayor and Ripol touched down while Biggs grabbed his second try in the closing stages.