SALE’S second and third teams both secured important wins in their quests for silverware in the Cheshire County Cricket League last weekend.

The seconds beat third-placed Ashton-on-Mersey to move to the top of Division Two and the third XI secured their 10th win of the season at Hyde.

The seconds asked nearest challengers Ashton-on-Mersey to bat first in their crucial clash at Dane Road and the visitors made a good start, reaching 136-2 and looking to set a challenging total.

The Sale bowlers then fought back, eventually restricting Ashton to a below par 181-8, Gareth Watterson, Grant Whittaker and Tom Riley all taking two wickets each.

The result never looked in doubt after tea, with opener Jamal Benzafar smashing 71 off just 72 balls to get Sale off to the perfect start.

Benzafar was the third and final Sale wicket to fall with the score on 114.

Siyan Siraj (66 not out) and Abas Rizvi (26no) then saw Sale to their target with eight overs in hand.

With news that league leaders Stockport Georgians had been rained off, Sale moved top of the league by three points and 42 points ahead of Alvanley, who leapfrogged Ashton into third place.

Sale thirds closed in on the Sunday Premier League title with their 10th win of the season at Hyde – a statistical rarity as Sale won despite failing to take a single Hyde wicket.

After being invited to bat first the home side posted 201-0, Luke Young finishing unbeaten on 103 and George Baker on 83no.

Sale skipper Rizvi knew what he was doing on the small Hyde ground, however, as Sale reached their target in the final over, Rizvi himself scoring 69 at the top of the order and young batsman Dan Newton finishing with an unbeaten 63 to see Sale home.

One more win from their final three games should be enough for Sale to be crowned Sunday champions.

Sale first XI had a day to forget at Urmston after the home side posted 258-4, Ali Barrowman and Jeremy McFarlane taking two wickets each.

Mat Spells top scored with 37 as Sale were bowled out for 130.

On Saturday, the first XI host Upton and the seconds travel to Lindow, while on Sunday the third XI host Grappenhall and the fourths visit Ashley.