Sale Sharks have held on to secure a 24-19 win over Gloucester Rugby in the Aviva Premiership this evening.

An opening-minute try from Martyn Thomas stunned the hosts, but Rob Miller soon gave them the lead with two tries in the space of five minutes.

Dan Braid helped Sharks increase their advantage with a score either side of half time, securing the bonus point.

The hosts were unable to add to their score further, but a series of errors allowed Freddie Burn to kick three penalties, leaving the visitors within a converted try of victory inside the final five minutes, but they were unable to complete the comeback.

The result leaves Sale just outside the playoff places, while Gloucester sit ninth.