Rory Lamont made his long awaited comeback and scored two second half tries for Sale Sharks as they drew 24 all with tournament favourites Perpignan.
Perpignan took the lead when a cross field kick was misjudged by debutant Nick Royle and Perpignan took advantage and scored.
Shortly afterwards Sharks were back in the game when Eifon Roberts scored his first ever try for the club from close range.
Perpignan reclaimed their lead shortly after Eifion’s try with a converted try leaving Sharks trailing 5-12 after 16 minutes.
Perpignan scored again just before the break and things went from bad to worse when skipper Dean Schofield had to leave the field with a knee injury.
The half Time score was Perpignan 19 Sale Sharks 5
Straight after the restart Perpignan attacked straight through the Sharks scrum and scored their fourth try (5-24).
The try seemed to rally the Sharks as comeback kid Rory Lamont gave The Sharks hope with a try shortly afterwards which was converted by Luke McAlister (12-24).
Debutant David Doherty got in on the act scoring for Sharks as they closed the gap to seven points at 17-24.
Sharks then scored again through Rory Lamont with his second try, and what looked like a lost cause at the interval was now proving unfounded when Luke McAlister kicked the conversion (24 all).
Sale Sharks were back in the game before being dealt a double blow, replacement scrum half Chris Leck was yellow carded and Rory Lamont injured his shoulder.
