Thomas brace sees Sale home

The hosts had opened strongly as a try from prop Tom McGee steered them into a 10-0 lead. But three Charlie Hodgson kicks and Thomas's first score saw the Sharks ahead 13-10 at half-time.

Thomas got his second before Tom Biggs (2) got Leeds back in it, but Chris Mayor and Oriol Ripol sealed the win.

The Yorkshiremen's early dominance was fashioned on an aggressive pack, obstinate defending and a remarkable work-rate.

A converted try from prop Tommy McGee in the seventh minute and a penalty from full-back Leigh Hinton were the least they deserved for their superiority.

That it took Sale until the 26th minute to register their first points said much for Leeds' early excellence.

But as the majority of a 11,116 crowd scented Leeds' first-ever victory against Sale in 12 attempts, the visitors woke up and remembered they could actually perform.

Hodgson converted the first of Thomas' two tries on the stroke of half-time to add to two earlier penalties and give the Sharks a 13-10 interval advantage.

Thomas added his second on the hour mark and despite Tom Biggs replying for Leeds in the 65th minute, Sale hit back again when centre Chris Mayor and wing Oriol Ripol crossed the line to ensure Biggs' late second meant little.

Defeats leaves Leeds precariously placed at the foot of the Premiership and seemingly in a straight fight with Worcester to avoid the drop.