SALE'S first XI had to settle for 15 points after failing to dislodge the final wicket at Warrington on Saturday after dominating against their nearest rivals in the quest to stay in Division One of the Cheshire County Cricket League.

Sale were asked to bat first, with in-form Greg Gyves and Lancashire’s Brooke Guest getting them off to a great start, Gyves hitting 63 and Guest 70 as Sale controlled the early exchanges.

Mat Spells (19), Ryan Burgess (21) and Ben Watkin (28 not out) kept the momentum going as Sale closed on 219-5 off their 50 overs.

Ali Barrowman and Mal Clarke soon had Warrington in trouble, reducing the home team to 35-6, before a rearguard effort from Richard Heaney and the Rudd brothers took the score to 113-7.

Gyves and Clarke then took two quick wickets to give Sale a chance, but the final pair held out in the final over.  Barrowman finished with 4-39 and Clarke 3-25.

With nearest rivals Stockport Georgians and Ashton-on-Mersey playing out a draw, Sale seconds took the opportunity to go to the top of Division Two with a comfortable victory against bottom-placed Middlewich.

Grant Whittaker, with 7-23, and Siyan Siraj, with 2-22, blew the visitors away for just 79.

In reply, Jamal Benzafar led the way with 27no as the seconds coasted home inside 19 overs.

On Sunday, the third XI had to settle for a draw at Cheadle, but remain top of the Premier Division after securing 14 points.

Thirteen-year-old Mohammed Rizvi played with maturity beyond his years as he hit a patient 59no as Sale were bowled out for 202 off the last ball.

Sale took wickets at regular intervals, but could not dislodge veteran Rocky Kapoor as Cheadle closed on 143-8.

Sale fourth XI had a comfortable win at home to Wilmslow to stay second in Division Three East.

Ian Habershon took 5-32 and Joe Wicks 3-23 as Wilmslow were bowled out for 113.

Sale reached their target for the loss of two wickets after tea, with Jay Jayoraman (32) and Chris Smith (38no) top scoring.

Earlier in the week Sale Silverbacks over-40s' match at home to Bowdon Vale went down to the final ball.

Mark Almond hit 30 retired as Sale posted 116-8.

Mark Rowe took 3-35 in reply, but could not prevent second-placed Vale securing the win.

On Saturday, the first XI host Marple and the seconds travel to Alvanley.

On Sunday, the thirds host second-placed Didsbury and the fourth XI travel to Heaton Mersey.