SALE Sharks missed the opportunity to return to the Premiership summit after a 22-14 home defeat to Bristol Bears.
Improving Bears prevailed thanks to a hugely impressive all-round performance as they condemned the hosts to defeat on their own patch following 12 straight home league wins.
It's now three wins in four games for Pat Lam's Bears, who defended solidly throughout.
As well as being without the injured George Ford, last season's Premiership finalists Sale got themselves off to a disappointing start.
Bears were clearly intent on continuing their recent decent momentum domestically, and they went in front early.
Some purposeful approach play paved the way for Harry Randall to barge over close to the posts, with exSharks man AJ MacGinty comfortably adding the extras.
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