Solomona sinks leaders Wasps

Denny Solomona continued his wonderful start to life at Sale by scoring a first-half hat-trick as the Sharks stunned Premiership leaders Wasps with a 34-28 victory at the AJ Bell Stadium.

Solomona, comfortably the leading try-scorer in Super League last year prior to his cross-code switch, had scored in each of his first four appearances for Sale and took his tally of touchdowns to eight in five games on Sunday.

Wasps fought back impressively after falling 22 points behind early in the second period, but the Sharks held on for a bonus-point win that lifts them 10 points clear of the bottom two.

Dai Young’s men are six clear at the summit, but will rue their failure to punish second-placed Saracens’ loss at Gloucester on Friday.

Solomona’s first score came after 18 minutes and he then crossed twice in quick succession late in the first half to put Sale in command.

37mins – Sharks 15 Wasps 9@DennySolomona chips ahead of Wade, and gathers to score – brilliant from the winger! pic.twitter.com/Uc82Xj9XpW

— Sale Sharks (@SaleSharksRugby) February 19, 2017

A converted Mark Jennings try two minutes after the interval made it 31-9, but Wasps belatedly sprung to life thereafter.

Christian Wade and Kurtley Beale twice combined effectively to set up touchdowns for Josh Bassett and Ashley Johnson, while Beale went over himself after a slick exchange of passes with Willie le Roux – making his Wasps debut as a replacement.

It was not enough, however, as Sale held on to their advantage.

Saturday’s other Premiership fixture also included a hat-trick and points aplenty, Sonatane Takulua scoring three of Newcastle’s seven tries in a 46-31 come-from-behind victory over Northampton Saints.

FT: @FalconsRugby 46 – 31 @SaintsRugby – What a comeback! Sensational second-half showing from the home side! #AvivaPrem pic.twitter.com/mo25boFwRX

— Premiership Rugby (@premrugby) February 19, 2017