Christian Wade Equals Premiership Try Record as Newcastle Red Bulls Beat Sale for First Win

Newcastle Red Bulls finally got off the mark in the Gallagher PREM — and Christian Wade gave them a moment of history on the way. The winger finished in the corner ten minutes into the second half to equal Chris Ashton's all-time Premiership scoring record of 101 tries, sparking a 17-3 home victory over Sale Sharks on Friday night.

Sale had led 3-0 at half-time through a George Ford penalty despite long spells of Newcastle pressure, including a brilliant try-line stand that held up an early score. The hosts also lost Hoskins Sotutu to injury after just ten minutes, with Sam Graham replacing him.

The breakthrough arrived five minutes into the second half. Newcastle worked the ball through midfield before spreading it wide, and Wade burst over in the corner to match Ashton's record, with one more try now enough to take it outright.

With 20 minutes left, a line-out drive ended with McGuigan bundling over and Josh Hodge adding the conversion to seal it at 17-3. Sale briefly threatened a comeback but Tom Roebuck fumbled a gilt-edged chance in the corner.

The win moves the Red Bulls off the foot of the table for the time being. They face Saracens next weekend, while Sale travel to 2024/25 champions Bath. For Wade, the wait for try number 102 — and the outright record — is the next chapter.