Former England star Danny Cipriani was in fine form on Friday as Sale ruined Exeter’s hopes of climbing to the top of English rugby’s Premiership with an 18-11 win.

In-form Exeter knew a victory would lift them into first place ahead of Saturday’s matches, but Cipriani scored one try and set up another as Sale secured their fourth successive league win.

He was the inspiration in the second half, putting Mark Cueto over for Sale’s first try in the 51st minute and then scoring himself just before the hour mark.

It was a deserved success for Steve Diamond’s side, who coped better with the wind and rain to overcome an Exeter side who had won their previous eight games.

Exeter lost forwards Damien Welch and Ben White to the sin bin during the opening quarter and, with their ill discipline, they conceded a number of penalties.