Newcastle Red Bulls complete huge Gallagher Prem comeback win over Sale Sharks with last-gasp try

Alex Hearle scored a hat-trick as Newcastle staged an incredible second-half comeback to secure a 45-42 triumph over Sale at Kingston Park. 

Sale took charge with five first-half tries from Tom Roebuck, Seb Kelly, Tom O'Flaherty, Joe Carpenter and Alfie Longstaff, and the hosts crossed twice through Tom Christie and Amanaki Mafi.

Sharks led 35-10 at the break, but a strong second-half showing from Newcastle saw Hearle and Freddie Lockwood go over before Arron Reed extended Sale's advantage.

The hosts continued to apply pressure, though, and staged a brilliant comeback as Christie and Hearle scored, with the centre then diving over in the final seconds to bag Newcastle's second Prem win of the campaign, while defeat keeps Sale seventh in the table.

Sale went ahead inside the first two minutes when Roebuck cut in from the left and charged through the defence to ground, with Ford adding the extras.

Simon Benitez Cruz went over for the hosts but his effort was ruled out for a forward pass in the build-up, and Sale then found their second try using the left wing again as Kelly, making his first Prem start, bundled over the line and Ford converted.

Following some pressure on the tryline, Newcastle responded when Christie squeezed over, but Brett Connon was unable to convert.

Sale remained in control and extended their advantage further when Gus Warr passed to Roebuck on the left and the centre did well to keep the ball in, quickly throwing into O'Flaherty to touch down, with Ford converting.

The visitors bagged the bonus point when Carpenter burst through a gap and dotted down from close range before Ford added the conversion.