SALE Cricket Club's first XI suffered defeat on the opening day in the Vivio Cheshire County Cricket League Division One season, falling 20 runs short against visitors Widnes.

Sale got off to the perfect start as Ali Barrowman tore through the Widnes top order, reducing them to 29-5 with a spell of 4-12.

Sean Moore (50) and Ian Spencer (39) led the recovery with what would prove to be the match-winning partnership of 69 for the sixth wicket.

Ben Watkins made the breakthrough, removing Spencer, and then Moore.

At the other end Australian Jeremy McFarlane took 3-27 on debut as Widnes were bowled out for 128 in the 45th over.

In reply, Sale collapsed from 57-1 to 108 all out.  Mat Spells was run out for 18 in a stand of 24 with Joe Cannon.

Cannon and Brooke Guest (22) then added 33 for the second wicket before Guest was trapped lbw.

Cannon was next to fall for 23 to leave Sale at 65-3.  From there the remaining seven wickets fell for 43 runs, with only Watkins (22 not out) showing any resistance, Moore adding to his runs for Widnes with 3-26.

Sale seconds got off to a winning start on their return to Division Two, beating Stockport Georgians by four wickets. Gareth Watterson led the way with 5-45 as the home side were bowled out for 145.

In reply, Grant Whittaker (42) made a welcome return for Sale who coasted home with 16 overs to spare.

Sale thirds also started with a win, beating Bredbury St Marks in the T20 cup.

Ali Rizvi top scored with 44 and Dan Newton hit an unbeaten 33 as Sale posted 148-5 in their 20 overs.

Meisam Syed took 5-21 on debut as Bredbury closed on 94-9.

On Saturday, the first XI travel to Macclesfield and the seconds welcome Cheadle Hulme.

On Sunday, the thirds entertain Didsbury fourths and on Monday they travel to Hyde, both in the T20 mini league.