The 2012-13 LV= Cup, with a place in next season's Heineken Cup awaiting the winners of the final at Sixways next March, kicked off on Friday. First winners were Saracens, Ospreys and Cardiff Blues.

Although Sale Sharks are playing matches against London Irish, Saracens, Scarlets and London Wasps, it's the results of Leicester Tigers, Worcester Warriors and Cardiff Blues that the club's supporters need to look out for.

Tigers lost to Saracens and Blues beat Wasps on day one of the weekend action. Tigers travelled to Goldington Road, Bedford - Saracens' fifth different 'home' venue in as many games - and were 27-0 down by half time. The final score was 38-21 to the 'Men in Black'. Former Shark Mathew Tait made a return to the first team for the final eleven minutes.

Ceri Sweeney replaced Gareth Davies and scored the Cardiff Blues' decisive try in a comeback against London Wasps which left the hosts 22-17 winners. In the visiting ranks, there were three former Sharks: the Bell brothers and Simon McIntyre.

The third Friday game was in Swansea, where the Ospreys beat Gloucester 33-27. Another late winning try here from home number 8 Morgan Allen.

Worcester Warriors produced a great second half performance to run in four tries and beat Scarlets 34-18. They were 13-6 down at the break. At The Rec., Bath beat the Dragons 36-15, but the tightest encounter was at Franklin's Gardens, where Harlequins edged the Saints 31-10.

So, from a Sharks' point of view, their Pool 2 colleagues Leicester Tigers lost but Cardiff Blues and Worcester Warriors won.

Sharks were in Reading on Sunday to face London Irish, going down 34-28 in an excellent game whilst further up the Thames Valley the Welsh took on Exeter Chiefs, a repeat of their first senior victory, but fell to a 15-42 loss.

After tomorrow's game at the Madejski, Sale Sharks turn their attention to Saracens at Salford City Stadium next Friday night (8 pm). For tickets, ring 08444 994 994 during office hours or buy online here.

As Sale Sharks v Saracens falls on Children in Need day, we're giving away 1 FREE junior ticket with every full-priced adult ticket purchased for the match! Season ticket holders can also bring a friend(s) for only £5, regardless of the stand! All we ask is that you make a donation to Children in Need at the game.

To claim either of these fantastic offers, email ticketoffice@salesharks.com and include your name and contact telephone number.