SALE'S first XI held on for a draw after a rearguard action against Widnes on Saturday.

It leaves them still searching for their best form in Division One of the Cheshire County League as they held on with nine wickets down.

Sale asked the visitors to bat first and, despite finding wickets hard to come by, kept the scoring rate in check with some accurate bowling.

Widnes looked like posting a below-par score of around 200 before Majid Majeed blasted 64 off 40 balls to get Widnes up to 236-6, Tyrone Lawrence finishing the pick of the bowling with 2-43.

Greg Gyves got Sale off to a flying start after tea, hitting 37 off 28 balls at the top of the order.

They then lost three quick wickets, slumping to 40-3.

Skipper Keith Wellings led the rebuilding effort with 45, but Sale continued to fall behind the required rate and focused on securing a draw.

Late-order runs from Andy Millward (23) and Rick Halkon (11) secured both the draw and an extra bonus point as Sale closed on 175-9.

The second XI moved into mid-table after beating bottom side Widnes in the reverse fixture.

The hosts were asked to bat first and were bowled out for 195 in the final over, skipper Siyan Siraj leading the way with 3-41.

Sale coasted home after tea for the loss of four wickets, young opener Viraj Sorathia leading the way with an unbeaten 73, well supported by Gareth Watterson (40) and Soans Praveen (38 not out).

The thirds secured a welcome win at home to Oxton on Sunday, who they bowled out for 99 in the 36th over.

Young bowler Saad Khan did the early damage with 3-15 and veteran Howard Briggs cleaned up the tail with 4-20.

Sale made hard work of the reply, reaching their target for the loss of eight wickets, led by Ian Habershome (39) and Soans Praveen (18no).

Early in the week Sale Silverbacks over-40s secured a six-wicket win against Cheadle, Paul Hanrahan taking 3-11 as their opponents closed on 105-5.

The Silverbacks reached their target with an over to spare, Hemant Sakpal (30 retired) and Mark Rowe (29) the top scorers.

This week the first XI visit Bollington and the seconds welcome Warrington to Dane Road.

On Sunday the third XI visit Marple and the fourths host Urmston thirds.