Smith returns as Quins start strong

Marcus Smith, returning from a finger injury, scored twice in the opening quarter as Harlequins built a 17-14 half-time lead against Sale at CorpAcq Stadium.

Sale fight back through the middle

Sale scored tries through Elia Canakaivata and Gus Warr to stay in the contest, with Harlequins' Sam Riley adding a bonus-point try in the 53rd minute.

Bamber levels it up for the Sharks

Ben Bamber scored for Sale after a break by Nicky Smith, and a line-out steal from Courtney Lawes kept the Sharks within striking distance late on.

Ridley awards the decisive penalty try

Referee Christophe Ridley awarded a penalty try in the 73rd minute after a rumbling maul pushed Quins back 30 metres and Riley pulled the ball down near the line.

Ridley sends Riley to the sin-bin

Harlequins hooker Sam Riley was sent to the sin-bin for the infringement that led to the penalty try, ending any chance of a Quins comeback.

Gilmore praises effort despite loss

Harlequins head coach Jason Gilmore told BBC Radio Manchester: "I'm really proud of the boys' efforts up here. Performance will dictate the shirts."

“I'm really proud of the boys' efforts up here. Performance will dictate the shirts.”

Sanderson warns of tougher tests ahead

Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson said: "We were chasing the game all day. If you can win playing badly, then that's a good sign." Glasgow visit next week.

“If you can win playing badly, then that's a good sign.”