Back in amateur days the tales from the Easter tours would still be the topic of clubhouse conversation, and on this 100-point showing it seems that even in professional times old habits die hard, with both sides laying on exhibition rugby.

But times have changed and, as an exasperated Bristol coach Dean Ryan summed it up later: "With a scoreline like that it was like an end-of-season jamboree - but at a time when the stakes are still very high."

For the West Country side that demob feeling might by justified as they settle in mid-table mediocrity, albeit that the anoraks may feel they are not yet clear of relegation trouble. For Sale, though, there is still plenty to play for: the title may have been decided, but not the top four places.

Jim Mallinder, the Sale coach, said that the hard, dry conditions suited his side's expansive play and defended the scoreline. "It was nowhere near silly-season rugby," he said.

But he acknowledged serious defensive lapses. At least his centre Martin Shaw scored his first Premiership hat-trick for Sale as the home side outscored the visitors by six tries to five to provide plenty of entertainment even if the aficionados reflected on some woeful defence.

The scoreline flattered Bristol. Two tries in injury time gave their performance a gloss - and a bonus point - that had looked well beyond them after a three-try burst within 10 minutes for Sale.

Although up until Sale began that run with a 67th-minute try for Shaw, things were in the balance. Sale had a 28-13 half-time lead but two Bristol tries early in the second period pegged that back to one point. It was, however, Sale who most deserved that post-match pint in keeping with the occasion.

Sale: Robinson; Cueto, Shaw, Deane (Harris, 64), Hanley; Hodgson, Redpath (capt) (Dickens, 76); Yates, Titterrell (Marais, 56), Black (Stewart, 76), Fullarton (Anglesea, 64), Lines (Giacheri, 76), Jones, Sanderson (Wilks, 76), Pinkerton.

Tries: Shaw 3, Deane, Jones, Robinson. Cons: Hodgson 4. Pens: Hodgson 5.

Bristol: Best; Rees, Higgins (Williams, 74), Little (capt), Christophers; Contepomi (Drahm, 70), Pichot; Crompton, McCarthy (Nelson, 59), White, Archer, Brown (Morgan, 74), Sheridan, Lipman, Sturnham.

Tries: Little, Rees, Lipman, Best, Drahm. Cons: Contepomi 3, Drahm 2. Pens: Contepomi 4.

Ref: R Goodliffe (Sheffield).

Attendance: 3,609.

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