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Sharks took the field knowing they could make up ground on London Irish if they put in a big performance at Adams Park. Director of Rugby John Mitchell was upbeat before the kick off and said the players were up for it.

Wasps made most of the early running and were aided a few penalties by referee JP Doyle. Stephen Jones kicked the home side ahead on 11 minutes. Nick Macleod had a chance to level a minute later but his kick was short.

There were several good phases from both clubs before Stephen Jones kicked Wasps 6-0 in front on 21 minutes.
Rob Milller took over the kicking duties from Macleod on 24 minutes and put Sharks on the board with a well struck penalty.

Sharks led by Marc Jones in his comeback game started to worry the Wasps defence and took the lead on 26 minutes.

Sharks built on their confidence but it was Wasps who went back in front on 38 mins with a huge penalty from Elliot Daly.

His kick was on the half way line, five metres in from touch and his kick sailed through the posts. 9-8

Sharks had one more chance before the break but Rob Miller's attempt was a total miscue.

Half Time Wasps 9 Sale Sharks 8

After the break Wasps responded from a Dai Young half time team talk and really built up the pressure.

Stephen Jones was on the mark with a penalty two minutes after the restart but Rob Miller made it 15-11 a minute later.
On 45 minutes Captain David Seymour was pinged by the referee and Stephen Jones kept up his impressive kicking record with another penalty.

Six minutes later Vanipula made a huge break for Wasps which resulted in a try for Thomas, Jones converted and the game looked to be slipping away at 22-11.

Sharks introduced the substitues and Tony Buckley had a great chance to score in the corner but was forced into touch.
Robinson increased the lead to 25 -11 but with the last play of the game Jonny Leota crashed over and Rob Miller converted to give a final score of 25-18 and more importantly gave Sharks a losing bonus point which may be so crucial in the final reckoning.

Post game John Mitchell gave his reaction to the defeat

"We can't discount the importance of that bonus point considering we're five adrift of Irish. Our execution let us down but we were in the contest and it was available to us.
"We've got an opportunity on the 28th against Worcester to be right back on the log where we need to be. We have to deal with what's in front of us.
"To get a point today as much as we were after winning has presented us with an opportunity. I think there were enough good signs there today.

Final Score Wasps 25 Sale Sharks 18

15. Rob Miller
14. Mark Jennings
13. Johnny Leota
12. Sam Tuitupou
11. Mark Cueto (79mins off)
10. Nick Macleod (59mins off)
9. Will Cliff (49mins off)
1. Ross Harrison
2. Marc Jones (69mins off)
3. Eifion Lewis Roberts (49mins off)
4. Richie Gray
5. Kearnan Myall (60mins off)
6. James Gaskell (69mins off)
7. David Seymour (c)
8. Richie Vernon

Substitutes:
16. Aston Croall (69mins on)
17. Vadim Cobilas
18. Tony Buckley (49mins on)
19. Fraser McKenzie (60mins on)
20. Andy Powell (69mins on)
21. Cillian Willis (49mins on)
22. Corne Uys (79mins on)
23. Tom Brady (59mins on)

Scores (Wasps first): 3-0, 6-0, 6-3, 6-8, 9-8 (Half Time) 12-8, 12-11, 15-11, 20-11, 22-11, 25-11, 25-16, 25-18

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