Sale Sharks turn on the style to earn huge statement win over Bristol Bears

Sale Sharks sent a message to their Gallagher Premiership Rugby rivals by recording a surprise bonus point 0-38 victory at Bristol Bears.

The Bears had hoped to top the Premiership with a victory in front of a large home crowd at Ashton Gate.

However, they came up against a formidable Sharks side who were buoyed by back-to-back league wins.

On his second start of the season Raffi Quirke set the tone by fooling the home defence with a dummy to open the try scoring within three minutes.

George Ford then sent a lovely pass out wide for winger Tom Roebuck who scored Sale’s second try as they dominated the first half.

After the break Ben Curry intercepted a pass inside the Bristol 22-metre zone and set the tone for the second half with a third try.

Bristol were desperate to give the home fans something to cheer, but Tom O’Flaherty hit them on the break as himself and Quirke broke and the former raced over.

Sale’s form will be tested next Saturday when they head to Kingsholm to face Gloucester (3pm). Meanwhile, Bristol will have to pick themselves up and re-find their winning form at Saracens the same day (5.30pm).