SALE Cricket Club's first XI moved out of the bottom two in Division One of the Cheshire County Cricket League with a two-wicket victory at bottom-placed Weaverham.

Weaverham opted to bat first and looked to play positively in the early stages, scoring at a healthy rate but losing wickets at regular intervals as they reached 41-3 off nine overs.

Sale then tightened their grip on the game as Ali Barrowman and Mo Ali reduced the home team to 80-7, Barrowman picking up 5-43 and Ali 2-49.

Jake Lightfoot (36 not out) and Rob Dickinson (31) added some vital lower-order runs, before Rich Adams cleaned up the tail with 3-4 as Weaverham were bowled out for 129 in the 39th over.

Weaverham were looking favourites to pick up their second win of the season, however, as Sale slumped to 85-7.

With hope fading Sale had Jeremy McFarlane to thank for the win, scoring a vital 38no at number six and effectively marshalling the lower order.

Ali added 10 runs at number 10 to see Sale to the win.

The second XI secured a more comfortable win in the reverse fixture at Dane Road with a 118-run triumph.

Despite losing opener Viraj Sorathia for three, Sale soon had the visitors on the back foot after being invited to bat first. Zikria Nadeem and Siyan Siraj added 104 for the second wicket before Siraj fell for 70 off just 60 balls.

Sale lost two more wickets before Nadeem added 66 for the fifth wicket with Gareth Watterson, Nadeem eventually falling for a well-crafted 70.

Watterson finished unbeaten on 38 as Sale declared on 231-5 from 47 overs.

Watterson showed his all-round capabilities, finishing with 7-36 as Weaverham slumped to 113 all out, only skipper Robert Harrison (48) showing any resistance.

The thirds maintained top spot in the Sunday Premier Division with a 112-run win at Didsbury fourths.

Ali Rizvi set the tone with 89 at the top of the order, well supported by Asad Khan (52no) as Sale posted an imposing 226 all out.

Didsbury subsided to 114 all out in the 38th over, skipper Abas Rizvi leading the way with 4-19.

The fourth XI made it a full house of wins for the weekend with another victory in Division Three East.

Visitors Stockport Trinity posted 145 all out, Howard Briggs taking 4-40 and Owais Khan 3-19.

In a tense finish, Sale chased down their total for the loss of eight wickets, Ian Habershon with 58 and James Hobson (27) were the main contributors.

On Saturday, the first XI travel to Widnes and the seconds host Stockport Georgians.

On Sunday, the third XI visit Marple and the fourths host Cheadle Hulme Ladybridge.