SALE Sharks returned to the top of the Guinness Premiership by recording their first league victory at the Recreation Ground for almost eight years.

Newly-appointed head coach Brian Ashton saw his second stint with Bath begin on a losing note as Sharks regained top spot from Premiership title-holders Wasps.

Centre Elvis Seveali’i and flanker Magnus Lund scored tries in a full-blown physical encounter, enabling Sale to stave off a third league defeat in the west country this season following losses against Gloucester and Bristol.

England fly-half Charlie Hodgson added three penalties and a conversion.

Bath could not break down the Sale defence and had to rely on an Olly Barkley penalty hat-trick for their points.

Do you think Sale will win the title? Have your say.

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