
Philippe Saint-Andre was happy after Sale beat Newcastle 14-9 at Kingston Park, but Steve Bates was disappointed to lose

Sale emerged from a tense opener at Newcastle with a 14-9 win at a soggy Kingston Park.

Newcastle Falcons winger Tom May has defended his side after they have been labelled as favourites for relegation this season.

Rory Clegg will make his Premiership debut for Newcastle against Sale on Sunday.
| Time | Result |
|---|---|
| Newcastle Falcons | |
| Sunday 7th September | |
| Guinness Premiership | |
| Newcastle 9 - 14 Sale | |
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | NEC Harlequins | 1 | 4 |
| 7 | Saracens | 1 | 1 |
| 8 | Newcastle Falcons | 1 | 1 |
| 9 | Worcester | 1 | 0 |
| 10 | London Wasps | 1 | 0 |
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