SALE'S first XI had the better of a drawn game against Stockport on Saturday, but could not take the final wicket to secure an outright win in Division One of the Cheshire County League.

Sale were asked to bat first and slumped to 15-3, Mike Eley taking all three wickets. 

Mat Spells hit 24 in a stand of 39 with Keith Wellings to steady the Sale innings before Ryan Burgess (24) added 43 with Wellings.

Skipper Wellings marked his birthday by passing 50, but was bowled just one run later for a patent 51.

Ben Watkins upped the tempo with a run-a-ball 45, well supported by Andy Millward (22), as Sale closed on 194-8.

The visitors got off to a great start, adding 54 against Sale’s seamers, before the introduction of spin turned the game in the home side’s favour.

Watkins made the first breakthrough, followed by Millward, as Stockport struggled against the turning ball – Watkins returning a fine 5-30 and Millward 3-47.

Isaac Brooks also chipped in with a wicket, but Sale could not knock over the final pair as Stockport closed on 164-9, number three Arden Van Eeden holding the innings together with 49 not out.

Sale's second XI also played out a draw at neighbours Brooklands.

Abbas Rizvi took 2-48 as Brooklands posted 221-6.

In reply, Sale reached 171-9, Viraj Sorathia scoring 45 and Dan Newton 32.

The third XI drew against Nantwich on Sunday as the visitors posted 212-7.

Sale reached 164-9 after tea, Joe Cannon hitting 60 on his return following exams.

An inexperienced fourth XI lost at Disley thirds, being bowled out for 105 in pursuit of the home side's 215-7.

Ivan Flitcroft took a spectacular diving caught and bowled as he took two wickets on debut, while Theo Brodbeck also took two wickets, and Chris Smith hit 35.

Earlier in the week, the Silverbacks beat Brooklands in the over-40s' competition.

Sale posted 137-7, Asad Khan (30 retired) and Paul Hanrahan (24) the star men.

Brooklands were always behind the required rate, finishing on 110-5, Owais Khan taking 2-31.

On Saturday, the firsts visit Bowdon and the second XI play the return fixture.

On Sunday, the third XI travel to Stockport and the fourths host Bollington thirds.