Full-time: Gloucester 24 Sale 17. A Carlos Spencer-inspired performance saw Gloucester retain their place at the top of the Guinness Premiership with a hard-fought win over Sale.

The 33-year-old New Zealander, who won 35 All Black caps, was given a standing ovation after leaving the field on 68 minutes.

Sale had led 17-8 at half-time with tries from Lee Thomas and Charlie Hodgson, who had also kicked seven points. Gloucester had replied with a Mark Foster try and an Olly Barkley penalty.

A second-half turnaround saw a try from Gloucester flanker Apo Satala and eight points from the boot of Barkley put Gloucester 21-17 ahead after 62 minutes and Ryan Lamb sealed the win with a drop goal on 79 minutes.

Gloucester, Tries: Foster, Satala Cons: Barkley, Pens: Barkely 3 Drops: Lamb

Sale Sharks, Tries: Thomas, Hodgson Cons: Hodgson 2 Pens: Hodgson,