But it may be an opportunity lost as they failed to score four tries and missed out on a valuable bonus point which could prove all important come the end of the season.
Leeds defended valiantly but showed little imagination going forward and rarely threatened the Sale line.
Sale had got off to a shaky start and were lucky not to go behind when Alberto Di Bernado's fourth minute penalty drifted wide.
But the visitors were under pressure from the Sale scrum despite the absence of Sharks' injured man mountain Andrew Sheridan and Leeds were soon forced to use illegal methods to stop the home side's rampaging pack.
Charlie Hodgson made them pay with the penalty and then added a second two minutes later to extend Sale's lead.
The game was then delayed for ten minutes as former Sharks youngster Joe Bedford, the Leeds scrum-half and skipper received treatment before being stretchered off to be replaced by James Brooks.
When play resumed Hodgson landed his third penalty in a row and Leeds had to defend well minutes later when Lee Thomas tried to put Oriol Ripol clear after good work from and Richard Wigglesworth.
Punishment
Leeds looked to escape further punishment as they pushed Sharks back into their own half but once again Sale's pack secured possession and a quick ball from Wigglesworth sent former All Black Luke McAlister clear to score out wide and Hodgson converted to put Sale 16 points clear at the interval.
Di Bernado reduced the gap with a penalty two minutes after the restart but Hodgson, in his 100th Premiership game for Sale, added two more in quick succession to keep his side well clear.
The Sharks rang the changes with Chris Mayor replaced by Julien Laharrague and Lee Thomas made way for Chris Bell, who took his place in the centre against his former club.
Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, no longer classed as an overseas player since marrying his Italian fiancee last week, also entered the fray.
Sharks momentarily lost their way but was soon back attacking the Leeds line as the visitors struggled to secure any decent possession of their own.
There was massive applause for Bruno on 67minutes when he was replaced by Neil Briggs after an impressive display from the French hooker.
Leeds were then reduced to 14 men when Adam Balding was sent to the sin-bin for a dangerous high tackle on Wigglesworth. Sharks soon made the extra man pay with a wonderful defence splitting move which saw replacement centre Bell crash through to score.
Hodgson maintained his 100 per cent kicking record but only with the help of the post.
Sharks piled forward as the seconds ticked away but Leeds did just enough to keep them out.
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