Cueto was one of England’s more impressive backs during the RBS 6 Nations but has suffered a recent dry spell which was broken in the second half.

Clinical kicking from Charlie Hodgson and incisive running from man-of-the-match Mathew Tait allowed Sale to make the most of their limited chances.

Worcester dominated possession and territory for most of the first half but were unable to turn pressure into points.

The normally reliable Willie Walker missed two kicks at goal and Chris Pennell fell short with his long-range effort.

When Sale did manage to hold onto the ball for more than a few phases they showed a precision and poise that they have been missing for much of this season.

Hodgson put his team ahead with a penalty on 28 minutes, and as Sale started to get a grip on the game he grabbed two drop goals to give the Sharks a 9-0 lead at the break.

Walker finally found the target with a penalty early in the second half but the visitors sufferd a huge blow when influential captain Pat Sanderson was forced off with an injury soon after.

Hodgson then landed his second penalty and another Tait break led to Cueto touching down in the corner to make victory assured.

Worcester now find themselves alone at the bottom of the table with a difficult game at London Irish to come next week, while Sale have Saracens at home.