Tries from Richard Wigglesworth and Andy Vilk helped them to a 23-11 lead, but a pair of yellow cards left them struggling in the final quarter.
BBC: Harlequins 16-23 Sale
2.
Sale kept up the pressure, and in the 46th minute excellent work from Sebastien Chabal led to a half-chance down the right which winger Vilk exploited with a fine finish.
BBC: Harlequins 16-23 Sale
3.
The hosts - who took to the field in fluorescent yellow with Leicester in baby blue - fielded a multi-national line-up which included former England and Wasps centre Fraser Waters and England Sevens and former Sale winger Andy Vilk.