SALE'S first XI lost by six wickets in the last over of their Cheshire County League Division One game against Oxton as their mixed start to the season continued.

Sale‘s chances were not helped by the loss of four first-choice regulars including captain Chris Canning with a broken foot.

Oxton got off to a flying start after winning a crucial toss, Guyan Fernando doing the damage as Sale were reduced to 27-3.

Brooke Guest and Luke McCoy led the rebuilding, reaching 59-3 at drinks. They continued to increase the tempo after the break adding 156 for the fourth wicket.

Guest was first to go for 87 as he was adjudged lbw attempting an inventive leg-side shot.

McCoy was bowled soon after for 86 as Sale chased quick runs in the final overs before closing on 212-7, Fernando finishing with 5-48.

In contrast to the first innings, Sale allowed Oxton to get off to a strong start with some wayward bowling.

They reached 77 before the introduction of Ali Barrowman produced two quick wickets for Sale to keep their reply in check.

The home side increased the pressure with two wickets on 148, including top scorer Andrew Gibson for 83.

Sale were missing the control of Rick Halkon and were not able to take another wicket, despite two good run-out shouts. Oxton eased to 215-4.

Sale Silverbacks made it four wins in a row in the Over-40s competition with a comfortable win against neighbours Brooklands.

Brooklands struggled to score against some disciplined Sale bowling, reaching 76-5 off their 20 overs. Tariq Butt was the pick of the bowling with 3-10.

Despite the early loss of Praveen, Sale reached their target with seven overs to spare, skipper Iain Harrop retiring on 33 and Abas Rizvi finishing unbeaten on 29.

Sale second XI travelled to Oxton missing several regulars and could only manage 120, Abas Rizvi scoring an entertaining 50.

Oxton chased down the total for the loss of four wickets, Rizvi adding two wickets to his earlier runs.

On Sunday the third XI were well beaten by Alderley Edge after posting a competitive 184.

Soans Praveen (62) and Abas Rizvi (53) were the backbone of the innings with a partnership of 100, Asad Khan adding a late flourish with 24.

In reply, Edge got off to a flying start, and despite some tighter bowling from Kumar and Almond in the middle overs, ran out comfortable winners by eight wickets.

The first XI travel to Grappenhall on Saturday, while the seconds play the reverse fixture.

On Sunday, the third XI welcome Bramhall and the fourths are at Ashley.