SALE CC'S outside chance of promotion was ended on Saturday after the Cheshire County League programme was completely washed out for the first time since 2007.
With a gap of 43 points and just 50 points on offer from the final two games, any prospect of catching Grappenhall is purely mathematical.
All four of Sale’s cancelled games this season have been against teams in the bottom half of the table in what has been a wet summer.
The second XI made the long trip to Nantwich and looked set for a late start before another downpour around 4pm ended any prospect of play.
The third XI suffered a five-wicket reversal at Sunday Premier Division champions Didsbury.
Sale were bundled out for 92, Sam Battersby top scoring with 18.
Shah Zeb (3-23) and Sulaiman Butt (2-3) secured a couple of bowling points.
The thirds now need to win their final game against Grappenhall, or rely on other results, to maintain their Premier Division status.
The fourth XI finished their season with a losing draw at home to Heaton Mersey, Zikria Nadeem with 6-40 in the visitors' 155-8.
Sale reached 140-9 in reply, Irfan top scoring with 35 and Joe Wicks finishing unbeaten on 20.
On Saturday the first XI travel to Bollington and the seconds welcome Stockport to Dane Road.
On Sunday the third XI head to Grappenhall for their final game.
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