SALE Silverbacks, (Over-40's team) maintained their 100 per cent record with a narrow win against Bowdon Vale.

Bowdon Vale won toss and invited Sale to bat on what looked a great wicket, Sale were soon into their stride with openers Mark Almond and Paul Battersby scoring freely at both ends.

When both players reached their 30 and retired, Sale were in a very strong position at 66 after eight overs but a flurry of wickets stopped them in their tracks and they limped to a very modest 111 all out, only Davenport (30) putting up any late resistance.

In reply, Bowdon Vale were cautious in their chase but 50 runs were needed in the last seven overs.

With tight bowling from Ian Holland, Paul Hanrahan and Iain Harrop, ably assisted by some slow 'spin' from Tristan Brodbeck, Vale struggled to force their advantage home and finished three runs short but only three wickets down.

Elsewhere, Sale 1st XI slipped to second spot in division one of the Vivio Cheshire County Cricket League following a comprehensive 227 runs defeat at Urmston.

Sale asked Urmston to bat first and looked like restricting the home side to a chase-able score, with 15 overs to go the score was 143-1.

However destructive batting from Callum Parkinson (110) and Joseph O'Connor (56) in the closing overs left Sale with a target of 300.

In reply the visitors were never in the chase as wickets fell at regular intervals. Matt Spells and Chris Canning were the only top order batsmen to make double figures as the batting failed for the first time this season. Parkinson completed a memorable day adding 5-9 to his century earlier in the day.

Earlier in the week Sale exited the T20 cup after losing by 35 runs to premiership side Toft. Rick Halkon and Jon Hall took two weeks each as Toft posted 191-4. In reply Ryan Rickelton got Sale off to a good start with 43 at the top of the order, but Sale failed to build any partnerships. Greg Gyves hit a useful 21 later order runs as they closed on 156-9.

There was better news for Sale 2nd XI, who bounced back with a successful run chase at home to Bowdon. Gareth Watterson and Mike Wolanski took two wickets a-piece as Bowdon posted a below par 206-9.

In reply Rick Hampton (47) and Jamal Benzafar (34) got Sale off to a great start. Siyan Siraj then played a match winning 64 not out, well supported by Greg Gvyes (33). Despite losing a couple of late wickets Sale costed home with two overs to spare to secure a 5 wicket victory.