Wade equals Ashton's scoring record

Newcastle Red Bulls beat Sale Sharks 17-3 at Kingston Park to claim their first Gallagher Prem win of this season. The home side went into half-time 3-0 down but changed the tempo of the game in the second half.

The standout name on the day was Christian Wade. In the 49th minute, his sprint took his top-flight try tally to 101, equalling Chris Ashton's record. The home side's other try was scored by captain George McGuigan. Josh Hodge added seven points with his kicks.

For the Sharks, the picture was less bright. The visitors could only get three points, from a penalty kicked by George Ford. The side failed to create any serious danger from open play.

There was encouraging news for England head coach Steve Borthwick. The Curry brothers started together in the starting XV for the first time in 16 months. Ben Curry played for an hour in his first league game of the season. Tom Curry has played only his fourth match since February at club and international level and stayed on the pitch until the final ten minutes.

Compared with the high-scoring contest between the two sides in May, this match was much calmer. In May, the home side came back from 35-10 down to win 45-42.