Sam James double secure 36-26 win for Sale Sharks over Worcester

Sale Sharks 36-26 Worcester Warriors, AJ Bell Stadium
Scorecard

Sam James scored two tries in the first half as Sale Sharks managed to up the ante in the final 10 minutes to seal a 36-26 win over Worcester Warriors in their Aviva Premiership clash at AJ Bell Stadium on Friday.

The win has widened the gap between Sale Sharks and Worcester Warriors at 10th and 11th respectively to eight points as the battle to avoid relegation continues with Bristol at bottom with 17 points.

After James opened Sale Sharks account in the sixth minute, Francois Hougaard and Joe Taufete'e crossed over for the visitors to take them to a seven point lead. However the scores were levelled when James scored his second try in the 27th minute followed by a conversion from AJ MacGinty.

Fullback Mike Haley gave Steve Diamond's men a slender lead of 21-14 when he rumbled past the post at the stroke of half time.

After the third quarter went without a point, wing Byron McGuigan secured the bonus point for the hosts and also stretched the lead to 12 points but a yellow card to Sale Sharks' Halani 'Aulika raised the hopes of Worcester Warrriors, who replied back through Chris Pennell to bring down the difference to five points.

Just as the game was heading for a tight finish, Ben Curry scored the decisive try for Sale Sharks with MacGinty adding a penalty and a conversion to stretch the lead to 15 points.

Replacement Biyi Alo provided some consolation to Worcester Warriors with his try in the added minutes that earned them a losing bonus point.