SALE Cricket Club's first XI beat league leaders Weaverham on Saturday to climb into the top half of Division One of the Cheshire County League, and followed it up on Sunday with a comfortable win against Brooklands in the Cheshire Cup.

In the league clash, Weaverham opted to bat first in a rain-reduced game, their top three of Alex Nash (18), Matt Jamieson (19) and Kevin Waterhouse (26) all contributing to a steady start for the hosts.

The introduction of Taz Thayalan turned the game in Sale’s favour as he removed Nash and Waterhouse before Tyrone Lawrence had Leeward Islands all-rounder Wilden Cornwall caught without scoring.

Another wicket for Thayalan had Weaverham in trouble at 81-5.

James Lewis (38) then led a fightback before he fell to Lawrence as Ali Barrowman (3-11) cleaned up the tail in quick time and Weaverham were bowled out for 141, Thayalan finishing with 4-28.

Cornwall took full advantage of the conditions in the reply and had Sale’s top order in trouble with his seam bowling as the visitors slumped from 30-1 to 72-5.

However, captain Chris Canning (35) and Rob Grant (26 not out) put together a match-winning partnership that put the game beyond Weaverham.

Despite a couple of late wickets Sale reached their target of 142-7 with seven overs to spare.

In another rain-affected game on Sunday, Sale progressed in the Cheshire Cup at the expense of neighbours Brooklands. Brooke Guest (54) and Lawrence (57) did the damage in Sale’s 156-6 off 30 overs.

In reply, Brooklands were never up with the required rate as they were bowled out for 129, Grant the pick of the bowling with 4-22.

On Wednesday, the Silverbacks won at Cheadle in the Over-40s competition.

Pete Britton (2-16) was in the wickets again as the home side were restricted to 101-4.

In reply, the Silverbacks made a cautious start, seeing off the dangerous Dooler before accelerating in the middle overs.  Mark Rowe and Mark Almond had the match-winning partnership, both retiring on 34 – Almond doing so with a six to

win the game with two overs to spare.

The second and fourth XI games were both cancelled without a ball being bowled and the third XI’s match at Grappenhall was postponed due to their involvement in the Cheshire Cup.

On Saturday, the first XI host Oxton, while the second XI play the reverse fixture.

On Sunday, the thirds welcome Alderley Edge.