Sale Sharks 59-6 Rugby Club La Vila

Johnny Leota grabbed a hat-trick as Sale got their European Challenge Cup campaign up and running with a nine-try romp over Spanish champions La Vila.

The Sharks led 19-6 at the break thanks to a penalty try and scores from Andy Powell and Andrew Higgins.

And they eased clear once Leota secured a bonus point with their fourth try.

Luther Burrell, Cillian Willis and Richie Vernon all went over before centre Leota scored twice at the death to add the gloss.

LINE-UPS

Sale: Addison, Burrell, Leota, Davies, Higgins, Miller, Willis, Cobilas, Jones, Buckley, McKenzie, Lewaravu, Myall, Vernon, Powell.

Replacements: Cliff for Willis (68), Imiolek for Cobilas (56), Taylor for Jones (33), Thomas for Buckley (65). Not Used: Gaskell, Seymour, Brady, Tuitupou.

Rugby Club La Vila: Ramirez, Poggi, Knight, Reid, Carrion, McCashin, Quirelli, Vazquez, Phipps, Hutchinson, Cleary, Walker-Sitton, Davies, Els, Cook.

Replacements: Hebrard for Poggi (62), Evans for Reid (74), Quiramte for Quirelli (59), Diez for Vazquez (62), Hanson for Davies (62). Not Used: Fusta, Previtera, Gonzalez.

Sin Bin: McCashin (15), Quirelli (59).

Att: 4,190

Ref: Alan Falzone (Italy).