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Sale's title ambitions were dealt a heavy blow as Newcastle won a pulsating encounter 32-25 at Edgeley Road, in a game that saw Charlie Hodgson become the leading points scorer in Guinness Premiership history.

With the scores level at 25-25 and just two minutes on the clock, flanker Brent Wilson (pictured) drove over for the winning try to earn Newcastle a fifth consecutive league victory.

High-flying Sale started with real momentum and took an early lead when Scott Briggs forced his way over for the game's opening try.

Hodgson converted and slotted the first of six penalties soon after - on his way to breaking Jonny Wilkinson's Premiership points record of 1,489.

Newcastle were all at sea, but gradually found a footing in the match through their powerful pack and deservedly scored a try of their own on 28 minutes, when the impressive prop Jon Golding thundered over.

The visitors trailed 16-11 at half-time, but got the perfect start to the second period when winger Danny Williams finished a fine move with a score in the corner and put Newcastle ahead for the first time.

Hodgson replied with his boot, but replacement Andrew Fenby produced a fine finish to score his first Premiership try and return Newcastle the lead on 51 minutes.

Two more penalties from Hodgson brought the scores level at 25-25 and ensured a dramatic conclusion to what had been a scintillating open game of rugby.

Sale looked to have wasted a fine chance to score when Russell Winter knocked on with the try line beckoning, but Golding and his pack smashed the Newcastle scrum in the resultant set piece and Winter went over for the winning score - fly-half Tom May converting to take his points total to 12 for the match.

Will Tidey / Eurosport