Sale Sharks, who managed just one win last season, enjoyed an excellent start to their Premiership Women’s Rugby campaign as they cruised to a 46-17 triumph against Leicester Tigers.

Earlier on Saturday, a dominant first-half display helped Exeter Chiefs to a 24-12 victory at Trailfinders.

An expert performance before the break made the difference for Sale, too, as they entered half-time leading 34-5.

Amy Cokayne, Erica Jarrell, Holly Thorpe, Rhona Lloyd and Katie Childs scored first-half tries for the hosts, while they also benefited from a penalty try and Lizzie Duffy successfully converted once.

Tess Feury went over for Leicester, but Sale soon replied as Amy Relf added another try in the 43rd minute, with Duffy converting, before Trudy Cowan made it 46-5 in the 60th minute.

In a lively end to the game, Fleury added another try, Leicester earned a penalty try and Childs was sent off for a second yellow card.