But although casual on occasions, the Lilywhites demonstrated more than enough quality to deserve their victory, ending a run of two league matches without a win and moving within five points of the leaders.

BBC: eng-prem

The other team going into the day without a win came out of it with three points.

BBC: Buckland's lead is cut to a point

However, Burnley are only two points above the drop zone and are without a league win since October.

BBC: Brian Laws confident Burnley can beat Manchester United

The Vicarage Road side are now six points behind Premiership leaders Leicester but Irish, without a win since 31 October, are down to seventh.

BBC: Saracens 12-6 London Irish

Bolton, on eight points, remain in the bottom three with just one league win this season to their name, while Boro are two points above and without a Premiership victory in eight matches.

BBC: CHOOSE A SPORT

All the points in the game came from the boot as Premiership champions Sale were left without a win at the Memorial Stadium since September 2001.

BBC: SPORT | Rugby Union | English | Bristol 15-9 Sale