Saint-Andre Delighted With Win

Hodgson controlled the game with the boot, and scored two fine tries on the way to a 27-3 victory over Pau.

" I thought Charlie Hodgson was the best player on the pitch," he told reporters in The Kassam Stadium amid scenes of jubilation after the match.

"It was very important for us to win some silverware. We held a meeting at the beginning of the season and the targets we set were to secure a place in the Heineken Cup and to win the Challenge Cup.
"It's wonderful as a director of rugby to achieve both of those."
Three of Sale's five Lions players got on the scoresheet, with Charlie Hodgson's brace complimented by tries from Mark Cueto and Andy Titterrell, who played at open-side flanker rather than hooker, each crossing once.

This is the second time in three seasons the Sharks have lifted the European Challenge Cup. In 2002, they defeated Pontypridd 25-22. Sale's victory earns them passage into next season's Heineken Cup.