Kieran Wilkinson ensured Sale FC fans had a happy new year as he orchestrated an impressive home triumph over Cinderford.
The fly-half first opened the try-scoring after two minutes, collecting from Peter Odogwu to score close to the posts, before adding the extras.
He then extended the hosts lead with a penalty, but George Porter’s try, converted by Cinderford skipper Pointon brought the visitors back within touching distance after 16 minutes, 10-5.
However, two minutes later Sale scored their second try with Odogwu again the architect, this time slipping in Doherty to slide over the whitewash.
Sale then scored a third try before the break after Rawcliffe profited from a charged down kick. This time Wilkinson slotted the extras to give Sale a 22-7 lead at the break.
Wilkinson pushed the hosts further in front after the restart with a pair of three-pointers before Cinderford got a second try through Nathan Taylor, 28-12
Another Wilkinson penalty followed, taking the number 10s personal total for the day to 17 points.
Winger Sam Smith then grabbed a late consolation try for the visitors but the writing was on the wall for a long time before that.