Hodgson, who again handed England boss Brian Ashton a timely reminder, was the catalyst for the Sharks' next foray, taking advantage of a Sam Tuitupou error but his hack downfield bounced out.
The visitors, who included rookie centre Jonny Kennedy, the son of club owner Brian, defended tenaciously but could not convert their own attacking opportunities and had to rely on two Charlie Hodgson penalties for their points.