WORCESTER Warriors suffered their first Aviva Premiership defeat of the season in a 27-13 reverse in a scrappy match at Sale Sharks.

A last-gasp try from Sale centre Johnny Leota, converted by Danny Cipriani, denied Warriors a losing bonus point tonight.

Sale’s forwards proved too much for Warriors, who fought bravely but were under the cosh for long periods.

Two big first-half Ryan Mills penalties kept Worcester in touch at half-time before Jonny Arr’s late try almost got a bonus point.

Sale’s seventh successive victory against Worcester highlights the size of the task for Dean Ryan’s men, particularly on the road.

A Cipriani error almost gifted an intercept for Cooper Vuna in the early stages but the wing couldn’t get away.

Cipriani redeemed himself with the opening try after his own kick through was hacked into touch by Chris Pennell.

From the line-out, a driving maul took the hosts close before Chris Cusiter found Cipriani, who brushed off Arr to dive over.

Cipriani’s conversion sailed wide. Warriors’ uncertain start continued but their front row had the edge at the scrum and won a penalty a yard inside their own half.

Mills fired over to get Warriors on the scoreboard in the 17th minute.

Sharks looked lively and only Darren Barry prevented wing Tom Arscott from darting through.

Warriors were caught offside but Cipriani’s 35-metre penalty drifted past the posts.

Worcester took the lead against the run of play in the 27th minute after winning a penalty at the scrum.

Mills took the kick from just inside Worcester’s own half and split the posts.

However, the hosts regained the lead with their second try in the 30th minute.

Flanker David Seymour was driven over from a line-out after a penalty decision was reversed in the hosts’ favour.

Sale piled on the pressure but Warriors stood firm with Barry, Phil Dowson and Donncha O’Callaghan putting in tackles.

The hosts were awarded a penalty for an infringement at the breakdown and Cipriani’s close-range kick gave them a 13-6 interval cushion.

Number eight Josh Beaumont added Sale’s third try in the second half, picking up at the base of a scrum and forcing his way over with Cipriani converting.

But Warriors gained their composure and Arr gave Worcester a lifeline, squeezing over for their first try with 15 minutes left.

Ryan Lamb’s conversion cut the deficit to 20-13 but Sale had the final word through Leota’s late bonus-point try.

Warriors: Pennell; Biggs, Olivier, Mills, Vuna; Heathcote (Lamb 52), Arr (Mulchrone 65); Leleimalefaga (Ruskin 46), Annett, Schonert (Rees 65), O’Callaghan, Barry (Cavubati 52), Dowson, Mama (Cox 46), van Velze. Not used: George, Howard.

Attendance: 4,356.

Attendance: 4,356.