SALE first team maintained top spot in division one of the Vivio Cheshire County Cricket League thanks to a fine all round display from Tyrone Lawrence.

With all three chasing teams winning Sale produced a determined performance at strugglers Davenham to keep their lead to eight points.

Davenham produced a lively wicket and did well to post 172-9, thanks to 69 from skipper Mark Greaves.

Sale bowled accurately, with seven clean bowled, an LBW and a stumping. Lawrence once again led the attack for Sale with 4-44, supported by Rick Halkon (3-55) and Ali Barrowman (2-28).

In reply, Sale were always up with the run rate as Lawrence and Keith Wellings (26) put together a good partnership for the third wicket.

However, wickets continued to fall at regular intervals and when Lawrence went for 66, to one of three outfield catches for Greaves, Sale still had work to do.

Rob Greenhough (19) was once again on hand to marshal the lower order as Sale reached their target for an over and two wickets to spare, much to the relief of Sale captain Chris Canning.

Meanwhile the second team produced a disappointing bowling display at home to Upton to lose by 10 wickets.

This overshadowed a fine performance from Rick Hampton on what is proving to be one of the best batting tracks in the league this season.

Hampton hit his first ever century for Sale, scoring 105. Next best was Dan Osborne with 35.

However Sale’s total of 194-8 proved to be well short of par as Upton coasted home with 10 overs to spare.

Sale 3rd XI suffered a 6 wicket reverse at Cheadle on Sunday as the home side successfully chased down 153.

On Wednesday Sale Silverbacks, our over 40’s side, maintained their lead at the top of the North East division with a 6 wicket victory over Bowdon. Sale chased down Bowdon’s 89-7 with 3 overs to spare.

Graham Bolton led the way with 21 and 2-5, well supported by Paul Battersby (35 retired) and Tristan Brodbeck (2-16).

Sale continue to develop cricket in the area for both boys and girls, as the under 15 girls side started their league programme against Stockport Trinity during the week. Georgina Gill led the way with 21 retired and 2-7.