By ROSS HEPPENSTALL

Sale ....................25pts
Tries: Metcalf 26, Reed 37, Birch 72
Conversions: R du Preez 28, 74
Penalties: R du Preez 11, 49

Newcastle ........20pts
Tries: Haydon-Wood 19, Earle 53, McGuigan 68
Conversions: Connon 20
Penalties: Connon 45
ROUBAN BIRCH’S late try sealed victory for Sale in an entertaining encounter which did the muchmaligned competition proud.
The Premiership Rugby Cup has been met with apathy in some quarters but the Sharks won it last season to claim their first silverware since 2006.
It remains a useful vehicle for blooding young pla...