WIRRAL gained revenge for their last minute home defeat earlier in the season against Sale, the pre-season promotion favourites, with a rearguard defence in the final 40 minutes.
In the first half, Wirral built up a 22-0 lead through tries by Joe Murray (2) and Craig Harvey, who hit two conversions and a penalty.
Wirral, who at one stage were down to 13 men, conceded three tries to leave Sale within three points.
With Wirral back to full strength, the final 12 minutes plus stoppage was filled with tension as Sale sought a winning try but the Wirral defence contained them to record an historic victory.
