SALE'S first XI failed to follow up last week’s win with another inconsistent performance against Davenham on Saturday, falling 30 runs short in their Cheshire County League Division One encounter.

With an unusual 9.30am start to accommodate England's World Cup quarter-final, Sale asked the visitors to bat first.

James Loveridge (33) and Ben Gough (38) made a confident start, but the loss of six wickets either side of the drinks break put Sale in control.

Ben King took 3-28 on his return from injury and Isaac Brooks 2-25.

The Davenham tail then wagged as Mike Sambell (23) and Oli Gallager (24 not out) marshalled the score up to 161-7.

Sale made a confident start to their innings, Joe Cannon hitting 20 as the score reached 43-1.

However, a similar mid-order collapse saw Sale slump to 78-6.

Ryan Burgess (22) and Rick Halkon (27) led the fightback, but Sale were finally bowled out for 131 with eight overs to spare.

The second team had an even earlier wake-up call, travelling to Tattenhall for a 9.30am start.

They got off to a great start, taking three early wickets, before the home side recovered to post 262-8, Gareth Watterson the pick of the bowlers with 3-39.

In reply, Jamal Benzafar (36) and Viraj Sorathia (39) got Sale off to a good start, but as they fell behind the required rate they batted out for a draw at 187-8.

On Sunday, the thirds lost at Alderley Edge after posting 185-6, Asad Khan (43) and James Dodds (22) the main scorers.

Alderley coasted home after tea for the loss of two wickets.

The fourth XI had a good win at home to Hyde fourths, skipper Iain Harrop leading the way with 56no chasing down the visitors' 139-7.

Ibraheem Shareef (20no) and Theo Brodbeck (20) backed up the skipper.

Earlier in the week the Silverbacks lost to North East over-40s' champions-elect Urmston.

Ian Holland (25no) showed the top order how to do it as Sale posted a below-par 88-8 before Urmston coasted home for the loss of one wicket.

This weekend, the firsts visit Hyde and the second XI welcome Bramhall to Dane Road.

On Sunday, the third XI travel to Hyde and the fourths visit Bowdon.