Northampton 24 Sale 17

Stephen Myler's accurate boot kept Northampton on course for a place in the end of season play-offs in a 24-17 win over Sale.

Fly-half Myler landed seven of his eight attempts at goal in a match where Sale were heavily penalised by referee Greg Garner. The Sharks also lost Andrew Sheridan and Sam Tuitupou to the sin-bin and were made to play catch up rugby for the whole of the game. Both sides valiantly attempted to play rugby despite the wet conditions but defences remained on top throughout the first half with the majority of play taking place between the 22s. Myler struck four penalties to one from Nick Macleod to hand Saints a 12-3 interval lead, the last three-pointer coming right on half-time after Sheridan was given his yellow card for not rolling away. Macleod and Myler traded penalties at the start of the second half before Mark Cueto, edging ever closer to Steve Hanley's all-time Premiership record, crossed for the only try of the game. Rob Miller and Johnny Leota were heavily involved in the attack that led to Cueto going over in the left hand corner for his 73rd Premiership try - leaving him just two short of his fellow Cumbrian. Sale looked to be heading home empty-handed when, with two minutes remaining, a defensive line-out throw went astray and Saints No.8 Roger Wilson pounced on the loose ball to set up the ruck which led to a Ryan Lamb drop goal. However Sale left Franklin's Gardens with something to show for their efforts thanks to Macleod who nervelessly slotted home his fourth penalty from 40 metres with the clock ticking down.