SALE first XI suffered a comprehensive six-wicket defeat at promotion-chasing Didsbury on Saturday in Division One of the Vivio Cheshire County League.

Sale found themselves in trouble at 10-3 as Matthew Grace made early inroads with the ball.

Mat Spells steadied the innings with a patent 32 in a stand of 49 with Ian Dixon and the latter went on to top score with 49, adding 38 with Rob Grant.

Grant tried to marshal the lower order, eventually falling for 42 shortly before Sale were dismissed for 160.

Didsbury made a confident start in reply, adding 58 for the first wicket before Richard Adams claimed his first victim for Sale.

Two quick wickets then reduced the home side to 75-3, including Tim Hughes for 42, giving Sale a glimmer of hope.

But Didsbury lost just one more wicket as Jacob Roach finished unbeaten on 43, wrapping up victory.

There was better news for Sale Silverbacks who made a successful start to their defence of the North East Division of the Vivio Cheshire County Over-40s competition on Wednesday.

Sale scored a 23-run victory over Bowdon Vale Vikings thanks to the bowling of Paul Hanrahan and Tariq Butt.

Sale got off to a good start, with Paul Battersby scoring a fluent 25 at the top of the order.

Iain Harrop (17) and Nigel Davenport (16) kept the score moving on before Graham Bolton hit 22 off 17 balls in the latter stages to ensure Sale posted a competitive 120-6.

In reply Bowdon Vale made a confident start, Matt Dean scoring 20 before Pete Britton removed both openers coming on first change.

With game nicely poised the introduction of Butt (1-8) and Hanrahan (3-4) turned it decisive in favour of the home team as the Vikings closed on 97-8.

Sale second XI made a better fist of chasing down 217 on a fine home wicket against Bowdon, Ali Rizvi being the pick of the home bowling with 2-34.

In reply Sale were left to rue not batting their full 50 overs, falling 22 short with seven overs still to go.

Father and son combination Abbas (39) and Ali Rizvi (20) formed an entertaining partnership that looked to be turning the game for Sale.

The third XI made an inauspicious start to the Premier Division campaign after winning promotion last season, losing by 10 wickets at Cheadle.

On Saturday the first XI welcome Davenham to Dane Road, with the seconds playing the reverse fixture.

On Sunday the thirds host Hyde, whilst the fourth XI make the short trip to Timperley.