Drahm inspirational for Warriors

12 April 2012

Worcester fly-half Shane Drahm scored 17 points as the relegation-threatened Warriors recorded only a second Guinness Premiership win of the season as they edged past high-flying Sale 22-15.

Drahm, who is off to join Japanese side Kubota Spears at the end of the season, was only recalled from a short-term loan spell at League One Launceston last weekend.

But the veteran half-back outshone England hopeful Charlie Hodgson, landing four penalties, a conversion and an expertly-taken drop goal, as Drahm's kicking inflicted a first home loss of the season on Sale at Edgeley Park.

Sale, who had won their three previous Premiership games, knew a second league win of the season against Worcester would see them leapfrog Bath and Leicester to second in the table.

But it was not to be as a strong Sale side, including England stars Andrew Sheridan, Richard Wigglesworth and Mark Cueto, failed to sparkle without their injured talisman, New Zealander Luke McAlister.

Meanwhile, Newcastle's Guinness Premiership game with Wasps was postponed due to high winds.

The match was billed as a showdown between England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson and his heir apparent, 20-year-old Wasps prospect Danny Cipriani.

But the clash must wait after inclement weather in the Kingston Park area.