Leicester Tigers Academy were beaten 33-15 by visitors Sale Sharks in the second round of their league competition at Leicester Forest RFC on Thursday afternoon.

Sharks made it two wins from two games after a victory over Worcester Warriors in the opener and outscored Tigers five tries to three.

Tigers took an early lead with a try from back-rower Chester Owen, but were then forced to play for long periods in their own half as Sharks replied with scores from Harry Thompson, Leo Zheng, Aaron Pope and Charlie Wardle to lead 26-5 at half-time.

Tigers fought back strongly at the start of the second period with scores from backs Alexander Garrett and then Malalin Satala to cut the gap to 11 points, but Sharks responded with a breakaway try from Owain Williams to ensure their bonus-point victory.