SALE suffered a set-back in their quest for a place in the Vivio Cheshire County Premier league next season after a mid-innings collapse at Weaverham and lost by 36 runs.

Chris Canning's side head into a must-win game against league leaders Timperley on Saturday or hope that Weaverham can defeat third-placed Urmston.

Sale won the toss and asked Weaverham to bat first.

The Sale attack kept things tight in their early stages, restricting the home side to less than three runs per over for the first 35 overs.

Ali Barrowman took two wickets as Weaverham reached 106-3.

Iain Eaton and James Lewis had added 87 for the fourth wicket before Lewis fell to Rick Halkon for 44 in the 41st over.

It triggered a collapse as six wickets fell for 28 runs, including an impressive spell by Tyrone Lawrence who finished with 5-48.

Eaton finishing unbeaten on 67 for the home side.

Despite losing two early wickets and Ian Dixon (25) to direct hit run out from the boundary, Sale were well placed on 83-3 at drinks.

The turning point came as Dan Halkon was stumped for 39.

Sale lost four quick wickets for just two runs as they slumped to 95-7.

A quick fire 23 from Ali Barrowman kept Sale in with a chance, but his luck ran out when he was last man out, Sale still 36 runs short of their target.

Elsewhere, Sale second team completed a comprehensive victory over neighbours Brooklands to move them into the top half of the table.

Sale made a below par 175-9 off 50 overs after being asked to bat first.

James Hall (50) and Greg Gyves (30) top scored in Sale’s innings.

Brooklands had no answer after tea as the pace of Gyves (5-52) and guile of Gareth Watterson (3-33) blew the visitors away for 100.

On Saturday the first team host Timperley, whilst the 2nd XI play the reverse fixture. On Sunday the third team entertain Stockport Georgians.