SALE stay top of division one of the Vivio Cheshire County Cricket League following a winning draw against third-placed Oxton.

With the other chasing teams winning Sale’s advantage over second-placed Timperley was reduced to nine points, with Oulton Park a further 34 points behind in third place.

Sale chose to bat first and got off to a solid start, Ian Dixon and Rob Greenhough adding 66 for the first wicket before Dixon was caught behind for 37.

Tyrone Lawrence added 60 for the second wicket with Greenhough, to take the score to 121 with 20 overs to go. Greenhough was out next over for 47, the highest score of the day.

Sale then pushed the score on as Lawrence was third man out for 45.

The remaining Sale line-up all made double figures as a series of partnerships got the final total to 233-7.

Oxton started well, keeping up with the required rate through the early overs. With 20 overs to go they had reached 121-3, on par with the Sale innings. With a developing partnership between Marc DeBrabander and Guyan Fernando the home team were putting themselves in a strong position.

Rob Grant made the crucial breakthrough the following over, DeBrabander caught at slip for 44.

Rick Halkon quickly followed this up with a double wicket maiden, bowling Fernando for 34 and Luke Filer without scoring, as Oxton were reduced to 130-6.

Oxton soon abandoned their run chase and looking to play out the remaining overs, which they managed to do for the loss of two more wickets, closing on 180-8. Halkon finishing the pick of the bowling with 4-72 as Sale took 14 points to Oxton’s 7.

Sale 2nd XI made it three wins in a row with a comprehensive six-wicket win at home to Oxton.

Oxton posted 218-6, with Joe Cannon the pick of the bowlers (3-59).

It would have been a competitive score a few years ago, but the Sale square has now matured into one of the best in the county, as the hosts passed their score with ease.

Jamal Benzafar led the way, posting a destructive 108 not out as Sale coasted home within 33 overs.

His century come up from just 73 balls, including several huge sixes.

He was well supported by Rob Merga (54 not out), as the home side reached their target for the loss of 4 wickets.

On Saturday the 1st XI welcome Middlewich, whilst the 2nd XI play the reverse fixture. On Sunday Romiley are the visitors for the 3rd XI.