This season's Zurich Premiership got underway with a nail-biting 37-37 draw between Sale Sharks and Northampton Saints at Edgeley Road.
A touchline penalty goal from Northampton's Shane Drahm to draw the match in the eighth minute of injury time shattered Sale's dream of a win in their first game at Edgeley Park.
Northampton had the better of the opening half of the first Zurich Premiership match of the season but Sale stormed back in the second to take the lead for the first time on the hour and open up a 10-point gap going into the final 10 minutes.
But a try from Bruce Reihana converted by Drahm and a final penalty got the Saints out of jail. It was exciting match from start to finish with both sides taking a bonus point to keep a record crowd of 8,105 fully entertained.
Sale made the first move as Graeme Bond broke through on the left-hand side but Dan Harris' pass failed to find the unmarked Mark Cueto on the outside.
The Sharks paid the price as a wicked bounce from a Northampton kick through was picked up and with the visitors moving the ball to the right, Jon Sleightholme found enough space to squeeze in wide out.
Drahm converted from the touchline to give Northampton a 7-0 lead on four minutes.
Sale came storming back through their pack and with Northampton coming offside under their own posts, Jos Baxendell had no problem with the penalty.
A short '22' drop-out picked up by Darren Fox had Sale immediately on the back foot and a scintillating break by Chris Hyndman opened Sale up and with Mark Tucker coming up on the inside the centre crossed close to the posts to extend the Saints lead, Drahm again adding the extras.
Sale struck and as Northampton lost possession in midfield, quick ball across the line and an early pass from Harris gave Steve Hanley the opening. The winger obliged with a 40-metre dash to the line.
With both sides eager to keep the game open there were mistakes aplenty but two penalties from Drahm put Northampton 12 points ahead.
In time added on Sale came back as Andy Sheridan crashed through under the posts leaving Baxendell with the easiest of conversions.
A penalty from Baxendell brought Sale to within two points after the restart but a superb solo effort from Drahm opened the gap once more.
Sale refused to lie down and a charging run by James Hoyle brought a second try for Hanley, Baxendell adding the conversion from the touchline. It was now all Sale and a drive to the line brought a try for Matt Cairns, converted by Baxendell, to give Sale the lead for the first time on the hour.
Turner was then driven over - Baxendell converted - to put Sale 10 points ahead.
Now it was Northampton's turn to strike back and in an exciting final five minutes Reihana crossed for a try converted by Drahm to bring the visitors to within three points and in the eighth minute of injury time Drahm rescued the draw with a penalty.
After the game Northampton coach Wayne Smith expressed his satisfaction at the way his side came back.
"It was a fantastic game of rugby," he said. "We dominated the opening half but gave away a few soft tries and allowed Sale to come back into it.
"However we did show tremendous character in the final minutes. The try was well worked and we forced the penalty right at the end, superbly converted from the touchline.
"Both sides looked good going forward and that's what kept the entertainment going. If this is the prelude to the season then we are going to be in for a cracker."
Sale coach Jim Mallinder was equally enthusiastic.
"It was a terrific advert for the game and the crowd really got behind us," he said.
"Northampton had the best of the first half but we stuck at it and the tries by Hanley and Sheridan really brought us back into it.
"In the second half we opened up a 10-point lead and really should have won the match from there. But full credit to Northampton for coming back at us and forcing the draw.
"We have set a high standard and if the rest of the season continues like this it is going to be fantastic."
Commenting on the crowd, he added: "It was a record and I am sure they have gone home with few complaints. Hopefully we can build on that."
Teams: Sharks: Going, Cueto, Harris, Bond, Hanley, Baxendell, Wigglesworth, Sheridan, Titterell, Stewart, C. Jones, Schofield, A. Sanderson, Pinkerton, Davies.
Replacements: Hoyle for Harris (52), Redpath for Wigglesworth (54), Yates for Sheridan (52), Cairns for Titterell (52), Turner for Stewart (54), Fullarton for Schofield (74).
Not Used: Mayor.
Tries: Hanley 2, Sheridan, Cairns 2.
Cons: Baxendell 3.
Pens: Baxendell 2.
Northampton: Beal, Sleightholme, Hyndman, Tucker, Reihana, Drahm, Howard, Peillard, Richmond, Budgen, Lord, Williams, Connors, Fox, Blowers.
Replacements: Ripol for Sleightholme (40), Leslie for Hyndman (54), Robinson for Howard (54), Sturgess for Peillard (13), Miles for Richmond (54), Hunter for Lord (65), Seely for Blowers (80).
Tries: Sleightholme, Tucker, Drahm, Reihana.
Cons: Drahm 4.
Pens: Drahm 3.
Att: 8,105
Ref: Chris White (England).