Hodgson inspires Sharks triumph - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Hodgson inspires Sharks triumph

Charlie Hodgson provided the inspiration as Sale reaffirmed their Guinness Premiership title credentials with a 22-16 victory over leaders Gloucester.

The fly-half was utilised by England as a replacement in last week's 15-9 defeat against Scotland in the RBS 6 Nations but sent back to his club after Danny Cipriani rejoined Brian Ashton's squad.

Hodgson was the stand-out player for the Sharks, kicking four penalties from five attempts, landing a delightful drop-goal and converting a try he orchestrated for Ben Foden in the 54th minute.

A dreadful playing surface - the pitch resembled a cabbage patch - did not help matters but Sale fully deserved their victory against a Gloucester side decimated by injury and Six Nations call-ups.

This success ended a run of two straight defeats for Sale and keeps them handily placed in fourth spot.

Dean Ryan's men have now lost their last five encounters in Stockport but they at least claimed a bonus point to extend their lead at the Premiership summit.

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