Sale Sharks inflicted a second defeat of the season on London Irish in a thriller at Edgeley Park.
Prop Henry Thomas went over to put the hosts in front after four minutes, with Nick Macleod adding the extras.
Tom Homer, who enjoyed a successful evening with the boot, got Irish's first points on the board with a penalty, before David Paice touched down to put the visitors ahead.
James Gaskell replied instantly for the Sharks, Macleod again converting to give his side the lead.
After an exchange of penalties, Jonathan Joseph swung the match Irish's way with a try, converted by Homer, who then kicked a penalty to put the Irish 23-17 ahead.
Macleod kicked again to make the score 20-23 at the break, but Homer extended his side's lead soon after the restart with another penalty.
Dwayne Peel touched down to put Sale 27-26 in front, with Macleod converting and then scoring an additional penalty to make it 30-26.
A late Irish penalty from Homer set up a tense finish, but the Sharks hung on for the win.
Jack Prescott
