Saint-Andre targeted the cup at the start of the season

"It was very important for us to win some silverware," said Saint-Andre after his side's four-try show.

"We held a meeting at the beginning of the season and the targets we set were to secure a place in the Heineken Cup and to win the Challenge Cup.

"It's wonderful as a director of rugby to achieve both of those."

Three of Sale's five Lions players got on the scoresheet, with Charlie Hodgson scoring two tries and Mark Cueto and Andy Titterrell, who played at open-side flanker rather than hooker, each crossing once.

Their other Lions, Andrew Sheridan and Jason Robinson, also had impressive games and all will head down to Wales to join up with the tour party in one piece.

Winning the Challenge Cup was a good way to end my club career Retiring scrum-half Bryan Redpath

"Our Lions are in good shape - they all played very well," said Saint-Andre.

"I thought Charlie Hodgson was the best player on the pitch while Andrew Sheridan played with no pain from the ankle problem he has been carrying."

Hodgson controlled the game beautifully and the only part of his game which was below-par was his often fragile goalkicking, as he missed three of his seven shots at goal.

"I've been entirely focused on this match even with the tour to New Zealand looming," said Hodgson.

"My kicking was disappointing but that's something you learn to deal with."

It was an emotional day for scrum-half Bryan Redpath, who played his last match for the Sharks.

He will undergo career-ending back surgery a week on Tuesday and the former Scotland scrum-half left the pitch to a standing ovation in the 70th minute.

"I wasn't feeling too bad about things at pitch side but when I sat down in the changing room afterwards I was a little tearful," said Redpath.

"I enjoyed it today and that's the way I want to remember my last game for Sale.

"Winning the Challenge Cup was a good way to end my club career.