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Fowles, who has been enhancing his skills in South Africa during the Summer, sealed his return with a last minute penalty to win the game. It looked as though Darren Sweetman's fine individual try, converted by Kiersey, had set up another draw for a visiting Irish provincial team against a Sharks side over the holiday weekend, but Fowles had other ideas.

Munster led 6-3 at the end of a speedy, combative first half, even though Sale Sharks had been in the ascendancy for long spells. Munster's dangerous right winger Jermyn was halted by Parkinson after a strong run, but at the expense of a yellow card with just eight minutes played. In a game played in almost incessant rain, there was an above average ration of penalties awarded by referee Mr.Jackson. Haugh put Munster ahead with one after 12 minutes.

The young Sharks were using the lineout drive to good effect in the poor conditions, with Fowles and Haley adding bursts once the ball was released to the backs. Munster couldn't score whilst they held a one-man advantage and defended well when Sale Sharks were restored to full strength. Four minutes before half time, Fowles levelled the scores with a penalty, but there was time before the end of the half for Haugh to restore Munster's lead.

James and Jennings seemed to deal with a re-start kick well, and a Munster knock on went undetected. Some 'backchat' took the penalty nearer the home posts for Haugh to make it 6-3.

A tense, technical game between two finely-matched teams carried on in the same mode after the resumption. Kiersey made a lively run for Munster, then Bedlow burst for Sale Sharks. Knock ons in the wet conditions were unsurprising.

Matters came to a head after 56 minutes when strong scrum pressure from Sale Sharks led to a collapse, with a penalty awarded to Sale and the second 'close quarters altercation' of the game. Jennings (Sale) and Haugh (Munster) saw yellow and the Sharks' penalty was reversed.

Play settled down, with Doyle peeling away from the back of the scrum in classic style. On 63 minutes, Fowles broke through and, with Beaumont's support, crossed for a try, which he converted. Kiersey missed a penalty chance, but Fowles made no mistake for a 13-6 lead. It wasn't a conclusive advantage, as Sweetman proved with his outstanding effort, but the game's final phase saw Fowles sending the ball between the posts, through the swirling rain, for a three-point win.

Sale Sharks' Coach Pete Anglesea said, "That was one of the toughest games at this level with which I've been involved as a coach. It was an excellent result. The scrummaging and driving were awesome, and the physicality was akin to the Premiership."

Scoring: (Sale Sharks first) 0-3, 3-3, 3-6 (Half Time), 10-6, 13-6, 13-13, 16-13.

The Aviva 'A' League programme starts next Monday, 3rd September, with Sale Jets at home to Newcastle Falcons (7.30 p.m.)