McAlister shades Mauger

December 24, 2007 - 5:12PM

Luke McAlister has won the battle of the All Black second fives in the English Premiership over the weekend, with McAlister's Sale club defeating Aaron Mauger's Leicester 20-14 at home to take them to fourth on the standings.

Both sides scored a try apiece, but the difference came via the boot of the Sale kickers, with England international Charlie Hodgson (four penalties) and McAlister (one) getting their side home.

McAlister played a part in Sale's try just before halftime, giving them a 14-8 lead at the break, when he featured in a flowing attack that eventually saw Hodgson put wing Rory Lamont over with a long cutout pass.

Sale director of rugby Philippe Saint-Andre praised the contribution of McAlister in the victory that saw Sale leapfrog Leicester on the standings.

"We know Luke has so much quality. He's quick, skilful and today his defence was very strong," he told reporters after the game.

"Luke is starting to fit into the team very well and with him and Hodgson we have two fantastic playmakers who can be very dangerous."

The Sale victory ended a run of four consecutivee defeats to the Tigers.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the Premiership Gloucester triumphed 20-13 over Newcastle, despite the presence of Jonny Wilkinson and All Black Carl Hayman in the Falcons lineup, to go top of the standings; Bath, with Kiwi Joe Maddock on the right wing, stayed second on points difference with a 41-10 victory over Leeds; and Chris Jack's Saracens club remained third when they handed Harlequins their first home defeat of the campaign, 27-20.

Former North Harbour player Rodd Penney, brother of Tall Blacks and Breakers basketball star Kirk, scored one of three tries for Saracens, while ex-Chiefs pivot Glenn Jackson converted all three touchdowns and added a couple of penalties for the winners.

Worcester, who count former All Blacks Rico Gear and Sam Tuitupou in their number, remain rooted to the bottom of the table and winless for the season after they were topped 23-16 by London Irish. Former Taranaki flyer Sailosi Tagicakibau scored one of two Irish tries, while Tuitupou crossed for Worcester's only score with an outstanding individual effort.

Worcester did pick up a bonnus point for finishing within seven points which put them level with Leeds at the bottom of the table.

In the round's other clash Bristol, featuring Kiwis Andrew Blowers, Sean Hohneck and Neil Brew, drew 23-23 with Riki Flutey's Wasps to move into seventh on the table.

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