SALE'S first XI had to settle for a draw at high-flying Upton on Saturday in Division One of the Cheshire County Cricket League.

The visitors asked the home team to bat first and found wickets difficult to come by.

Matt Owens (100 not out) and Chris McArthur (70) led the way as Upton posted 249-2 in 46 overs.

Rich Adams and Isaac Brooks were the wicket takers for Sale.

Sale got off to a confident start in their reply, Matt Wilson adding 40 in a stand of 90 for the first wicket with Greg Gyves.

Gyves had reached 69 when he was one of two quick wickets that reduced Sale to 122-4.

Tyrone Lawrence and Chris Canning accelerated the score to 155 before Canning was caught for 19.

While Lawrence remained at the crease the chase was on, but when he fell for a well-crafted 54, Sale batted out the remaining overs for 214-6.

The second team continued their fine recent form with a comfortable win in the reverse fixture at Dane Road.

Dan Newton (3-28) and Siyan Siraj (3-24) were the leading bowlers as Upton were bowled out for 151, having recovered from 87-8.

Sale made light work of the reply after tea, coasting home for the loss of one wicket.

Viraj Sorathia (58no) and Siyan Siraj (58no) saw Sale home.

The third XI started brightly against league leaders Didsbury on Sunday, young openers Zikria Nadeem (39) and Viraj Sorathia (38) batting for 21 overs before being parted after adding 82.

Dan Newton looked to add impetus before being run out for 25, which heralded a big collapse of eight wickets for 19 runs to be bowled out for 139.

Two early wickets left Didsbury wobbling, but they eventually ran out comfortable winners for the loss of three wickets.

The fourth XI fixture at home to Bowdon was cancelled due to heavy rain.

Earlier in the week Sale Silverbacks had a good win at Cheadle in the over-40s' competition.

Tris Broadbeck was the leading scorer with 29, well supported by Jay Finley and Graham Bolton, who both hit 22.

Cheadle were going well before Bolton took 3-19 in the middle overs to ensure the home team only reached 103, Rob Moore and Paul Hanrahan supporting with two wickets each.

On Saturday, the first XI welcome Urmston to Dane Road and the seconds play the reverse fixture, while on Sunday, the third XI host Cheadle.