Sale thrash Bristol to go third in Premiership

Sale stopped free-scoring Bristol in their tracks with a stunning 38-0 victory at Ashton Gate on Friday to go third in the English Premiership.

Victory would have taken Bristol top of the table above west country rivals Bath.

But Sale never looked back after scrumhalf Raffi Quirke set the tone when he breached Bristol's defence inside three minutes.

Bristol had collected a try-scoring bonus point in each of their last nine league games, equalling the Premiership record.

Sale, in stark contrast, were without a point of any description on their Premiership travels this term, but those statistics were shredded on a spectacular night for Alex Sanderson's team.

Tom Roebuck added a second try before half-time before Ben Curry's interception score sealed the win early in the second period.

Tom O'Flaherty secured a bonus point 14 minutes from time.

Centre Rob du Preez kicked three penalties and three conversions, while flyhalf George Ford dropped a goal as Sale's statement win served notice of their title credentials.