SALE first XI got off the mark in Division One of the Cheshire County Cricket League after beating Warrington off the penultimate delivery of their match in a thrilling finish.

The win, inspired by a fine all-round performance from Jeremy McFarlane, set up a great weekend during which all four of the club's senior teams won.

Visitors Warrington got off to a confident start with Mal Agar and Mike Rudd putting on 86 for the first wicket.

The introduction of McFarlane and Rich Adams turned the game in Sale’s favour, with McFarlane removing Agar (39) caught and bowled.

Adams had Rudd (47) caught two runs later, followed by Els without further addition to the score.

Wickets continued to fall as Warrington were reduced to 105-6.

Brad Macintosh and skipper Richard Heany (15) added 50 for the seventh wicket before he was bowled by Watkins.

Macintosh then added a further 46 with James Rudd to finish on 77 not out and close the Warrington innings on 201-7. McFarlane finished with 3-35 and Adams 3-39.

Keith Wellings and Mat Spells got Sale off to a steady start, adding 34 before Wellings was bowled by Soni.

Sale then lost four further wickets for just 25 runs to reduce them to 59-5.

McFarlane and Ali Barrowman led the recovery with some aggressive stroke play, adding 56 for the sixth wicket.

When Barrowman looked unlucky to be given out lbw for 31, Sale looked a long way off with 87 runs still needed.

But veteran Iain Harrop (20), on his first XI comeback, was on hand to play a vital supporting role in a stand of 65.

McFarlane finally fell for 85 with Sale just three runs short of their target, leaving bowling partner Adams to hit the winning runs from the penultimate delivery.

The seconds secured a more comfortable victory at Middlewich.

Gareth Watterson hit a fine 64, well supported by hard-hitting Dan Newton (47) and Adam Laughton (41), as Sale posted 228-9.

In reply Middlewich were bowled out for 186, Brad Ross doing the damage with five wickets.

On Sunday, the third XI chased down 205 at home to Marple inside 41 overs.

Mohammed Rizvi (67) led the way, well-supported by Viraj Sorathia (47) and Ali Rizvi (38).

The fourths completed an equally-impressive chase at Cheadle Hulme Ladybridge.

Issac Brooks was the leading bowler with 4-32 as the home team were bowled out for 197.

In reply, Vaasu Goal opened up with 40 to get the fourths off to a good start, with Howard Briggs seeing them home with a well-made 38.

Earlier in the week Sale Silverbacks, the over-40s' side, started their season with a comfortable six-wicket win against Bowdon.

Soans Praveeen and Paul Hanrahan both picked up a couple of wickets as the visitors were bowled out for 93.

In reply, the Silverbacks got off to a poor start, losing two wickets for six runs, before Graham Bolton (33 retired) and Iain Harrop (30ret) set Sale up for the win.

The first XI have a T20 cup match at Urmston tonight then visit Marple on Saturday, while the seconds host Alvanley.

On Sunday, the third XI entertain Alderley Edge and the fourths visit Lindow.