SALE's Mo Ali took a hat-trick but the first XI had to settle for a draw against Marple in Cheshire County Cricket League Division One in a game where all three results remained possible right down to the final over.

In tricky conditions following heavy overnight rain, Sale finished six runs short.

After a delayed start Sale asked the visitors to bat first and James Crisall (43) and Mark Bennett (31) set a platform for Marple after the early loss of Darby.

From 129-3, the visitors collapsed to 147 all out, veteran seamer Ali doing the damage with 7-27 – his hat-trick just two days before his namesake completed a similar feat for England against South Africa.

Sale took a similar approach after tea, with Joe Cannon opening up with a patient 21 and Brooke Guest adding 37 at number four.

However, the home side found it equally difficult to accelerate the score, finishing on 141-9 in the 38th over and settling for seven points.

The second XI’s recent winning run came to an end at Alvanley, although a strong batting display ensured they picked up nine valuable points.

Mo Rizvi (48) and Jamal Benzafar (34) led the way as they posted 216.

With leading bowlers Whittaker and Siraj both missing, Sale were unable to make inroads into the home batting line-up as they reached their target for the loss of four wickets.

The thirds secured a potentially decisive win against second-placed Didsbury to extend their lead at the top of the Sunday Premier Division to 24 points.

Siyan Siraj took 4-34 as the visitors were restricted to a below-par 148-7 in their 45 overs.

In reply, Sale got off to a flying start as skipper Abas Rizvi hit 32 off just 28 balls at the top of the order.

His son Ali then saw the team to their total with a chanceless 71 not out, as they coasted home with 13 overs to spare.

Earlier in the week Sale Silverbacks lost their over-40s' match at champions-elect Urmston.

Mark Almond took 3-24 as Urmston were restricted to 109-7.

Nigel Davenport hit 33 retired and Graham Bolton 22 as the Silverbacks finished nine runs short in reply.

On Saturday, the firsts host Davenham and the second XI travel to Northwich, while on Sunday, the third XI visit Nantwich and the fourths host Bredbury St Marks.