Wade equals Prem try record as Newcastle beat Sale

Newcastle Red Bulls beat Sale Sharks 17-3 to secure their first league win of the season, as Christian Wade scored his 101st Prem try to draw level with record-holder Chris Ashton.

The winger crossed nine minutes into the second half, finishing a move after Newcastle kicked for the corner rather than attempt a penalty. Josh Hodge converted to put the hosts 7-3 ahead.

George Ford had given Sale a 3-0 half-time lead with a penalty in a first half short on chances. Newcastle extended their advantage through two Hodge kicks before George McGuigan scored from a maul just after the hour. Hodge’s conversion made it 17-3.

Wade had entered the season with 97 Prem tries, four short of Ashton’s mark, after scoring twice in Newcastle’s opening-round defeat at Northampton. His try against Sale brings his career tally to 101. Newcastle’s loss at Northampton had left him on the brink of the record.

The result was Newcastle’s first league victory of the campaign. Sale had gone into the match unbeaten in their previous two league outings, according to BBC Sport. The BBC described the game as a scrappy contest in gusty conditions.