Defending champions Leicester Tigers have secured their place in the Aviva Premiership playoffs with a 42-22 win over Sale Sharks.

Vereniki Goneva and Toby Flood both scored tries for the visitors in the first half to give them an 11-point lead at the break, with Sale only able to add three points from a penalty in the opening 40 minutes.

Flood added his second after the break, while Niall Morris also found the line to extend Leicester's advantage.

However, Sale were able to give themselves hope of a late comeback when Michael Paterson, Johnny Leota and Henry Thomas all added tries in the space of 11 minutes.

However, a yellow card for Tom Arscott halted their progress and allowed David Mele to score a sixth try of the game for the Tigers, ensuring that they will finish in the top four.