SALE first XI lost their penultimate game at Bollington in Division One of the Cheshire County League on Saturday after a disappointing display with the bat.

An understrength Sale lost the toss and were asked to field first.

Bollington captain Rick Hough was the chief tormentor, as he had been in the reverse fixture earlier in the season, scoring 104 not out in the home team’s 203-6. Ali Barrowman (2-30) and Ian Dixon (2-48) were the leading bowlers.

Sale set off confidently as Brooke Guest reached 30 off just 27 balls, before he dragged a wide delivery from Alex Durie on to the stumps.

The visitors continued to score quickly but lost wickets at regular intervals with only skipper Chris Canning (23 off 16 balls) and Ben Watkins (10) reaching double figures as Sale were bowled out for 91 in just 21.5 overs.

The seconds also lost, against Stockport, meaning they will go into the final round of matches needing a draw to guarantee their First Division status.

Abas Rizvi scored 61 in Sale’s 150 all out, Stockport reaching their target for the loss of three wickets.

Sale's third XI finished their league campaign with a narrow defeat at Grappenhall, meaning they need Toft to avoid defeat at Bramhall next week to maintain their Premier Division status.

Sale almost snatched victory as Joe Cannon (97no), supported by Dan Newton (34) and Zikria Nadeem (19), took the score from 49-6 to 184-8, before Sale were bowled out for 186 in the final over.

Earlier, Grappers had reached 190-7, Sale ruing dropping James Jenkins early on before he made a rapid 55. Ian Holland (2-15) and Cannon (2-47) were the leading bowlers.

Sale conclude their season next week as the first XI welcome Tattenhall to Dane Road and the seconds travel to Bramhall.