RUGBY UNION: Welsh edged out by Sharks (From Herald Series)

RUGBY UNION: Welsh edged out by Sharks

4:59pm Sunday 17th February 2013 in Sport By Ed Mezzetti, Sports reporter specialising in Rugby, Cricket and Athletics. Call me on 01865 425456

London Welsh 25, Sale Sharks 26

LONDON Welsh suffered late agony in their crunch Aviva Premiership clash at the Kassam Stadium today.

A 72-minute penalty from Sale replacement Nick MacLeod ultimately proved the difference in a dramatic match at the bottom of the table.

Sale's victory saw them close to within three points of Welsh in what is now a very congested relegation contest.

Sale led 13-12 at the break after a late try from scrum half Will Cliff.

Fly half Danny Cipriani converted this to add to two penalties.

Scrum half Alex Davies kicked three for Welsh, with Gavin Henson landing another from halfway.

Flanker Dan Braid went over for Sale just after half-time, with Cipriani converting for 20-12.

Back came Welsh with a try from wing Phil MacKenzie, converted by Henson, who added a penalty for 25-20.

But penalties from Cipriani and MacLeod won it.