THE last kick of the game from rookie James Cook beat a shell-shocked Sale in dramatic fashion last night.

It was the first touch of the ball from the young Welshman but his last-gasp conversion ended a miserable Heineken Cup night for the Sharks who threw away a ton of possession in the second half.

Sharks got off to a terrible start as they knocked on from the kick-off and then gave away a penalty which Shaun Connor, in for the injured Gavin Henson, converted.

The damp conditions made handling difficult and Sale struggled to get any decent possession, as the Ospreys, roared on by their passionate fans, dominated the early stages.

Former All Black Justin Marshall was a constant thorn in the Sharks' side and after a dazzling break he fed the ball wide where winger Shane Williams was waiting to touch down.

Connor landed the conversion to put his side 10-0 in front but Sharks hit back immediately from the kick- off as full-back Lee Byrne took too long over his clearance kick which was charged down and new signing Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe was the first man to the ball as it crossed the line.

Charlie Hodgson converted to reduce the gap to just three points but Sharks were still struggling to get their hands on the ball, and when they did, it was soon handed over again.

Sale's task was made even harder when they lost prolific try-scorer Mark Cueto, who appeared to be tackled while his feet were off the ground.

He hobbled off the field to be replaced by Frenchman Daniel Larrachea.

Ospeys had a chance to extend their lead but Connor's kick came back off the posts.

Sharks had found themselves on the wrong end of a few harsh decisions from referee Joel Jutge, but even when the tide turned in their favour, they failed to take advantage.

Penalty

Three times Ospreys were penalised within kicking range, but Hodgson was wide with two and then Larrachea missed another.

Neither side was able to get a real grip on the game, but the home side shot themselves in the foot when they handed a penalty to Sale at the death which also resulted in a yellow card for second row forward Brent Cockbain.

Sharks started the second half with the extra man and after Richard Wigglesworth came on for Sililo Martens and Stuart Turner replaced Ben Evans in the front row the visitors took the lead with a Hodgson penalty.

Sebastien Chabal entered the fray and sparked the Sharks into life. Wigglesworth came close and then Ripol nearly found a way through. Ospreys defended stoutly against the Sale onslaught, spearheaded by the long-haired Frenchman, and Lobbe nearly found his way through for a second.

Sharks finally managed to extend their lead after another fine charge from Chabal and this time Hodgson made no mistake. But as the game entered the 85th minute, the home side poduced a glorious team try finished off well by Williams for his second of the night, and young James Hook held his nerve to convert from 30 yards for a fairytale ending.

Sale coach Philippe Saint-Andre said: "It is disappointing because we looked the better team. We created a lot of chances but couldn't put them away.

"It is even more disappointing because we had the game in our pocket."

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