A strong second-half display gave Saracens victory over Sale Sharks in the Aviva Premiership this afternoon.

There were few try-scoring opportunities in the first half, with both sides relying on their fly-halves to get the on the score board with penalties, Owen Farrell with five for Saracens, and Danny Cipriani with two.

Saracens broke through the visitors' defence in the 63rd minute to give David Strettle the opening try of the game.

Conceding the try knocked Sale's confidence, and a second from Charlie Hodgson followed soon after to open up a 20-point advantage for the home side.

The loss leaves Sharks at the foot of the Premiership table, five points behind London Irish, while Saracens are elevated to the top of the table, but will drop to second if Harlequins hang on to beat London Welsh.