Sale Sharks came from behind to take a narrow win over Exeter Chiefs at the Salford City Stadium in the Aviva Premiership this evening.
The hosts started brightly, Daniel Braid scoring a try to put Sale ahead, but Exeter hit back just before half time through Watisoni Votu to lead by eight points at the break.
Sharks started the second half on the attack, and were able to reduce the visitors' lead when Mark Cueto crossed the whitewash less than 10 minutes after the restart.
Kai Horstmann, who was making his Chiefs debut, was sent to the sin bin for failing to role away, allowing Danny Cipriani to kick Sale's second penalty of the half and put them ahead.
Chiefs pushed hard to regain their lead, but a drop goal from Nick Macleod sealed the win for Sharks inside the final five minutes.
The win helps Sale close the gap to London Irish at the bottom of the table, while Exeter remain in seventh.
Sian Cowper
