SALE first XI got back to winning ways in Division One of the Cheshire County Cricket League on Saturday, beating fourth-placed Bollington by 26 runs.

Asked to bat first, Sale's Ben Watkin and Mat Spells added 24 for the first wicket but when Spells was third man out for 20, the score was 53-3.

Brooke Guest and Ali Barrowman (15) added 39 for the fourth wicket then the influential Jeremy McFarlane joined Guest, putting on 69 to take the score to 161-5. Guest fell for 62, becoming one of Tom Horsfield’s three victims.

McFarlane then accelerated the score, reaching 56 off just 50 balls to take Sale to 201-9, the final few wickets falling in the quest for quick runs in the final overs.

Bollington made a confident start to their reply, adding 48 for the first wicket.

The introduction of spinners Watkin and McFarlane turned the game in favour of Sale. Watkin made the breakthrough, taking Tom Leese caught and bowled for 37.

Two further quick wickets reduced the home team to 63-3 before Rick Hough and Harri Dickinson added 40 for the fourth wicket. Hough was then run out for 18 and Dickinson was caught for 43.

James Cross (33 not out) attempted to marshal the lower order, but Watkin (4-66) and McFarlane (3-47) cleaned up the tail as Bollington closed their innings on 175 in the 42nd over.

The second XI could not take the final two wickets to secure an outright win in the reverse fixture at Dane Road.

Sale posted 207-8 in their 50 overs, Bollington reaching 133-8 in reply.

The thirds maintained their lead at the top of the Sunday Premier Division with a convincing win at third-placed Grappenhall.

Sale asked the home team to bat first, restricting them to 164-9 off their 45 overs, skipper Abas Rizvi leading from the front with 5-35.

Sale made short work of the reply, reaching their target for the loss of three wickets in the 24th over, Rizvi getting his team off to a great start with 51 at the top of the order. Grant Whittaker (39), Viraj Sorathia (34) and Mohammed Rizvi (28no) all made positive contributions.

The fourth XI maintained second place in Division Three East with a convincing win at home to Ashley.

Ashley opted to bat first, but subsided to 82 all out, Owais Khan taking 6-24 and Issac Brooks 3-15.

Sale reached their target for the loss of just three wickets, J Jayoraman leading the way with 51no.

Earlier in the week the Silverbacks over-40s side won at Cheadle to stay in third place in the North East Division. Sale posted 132 and restricted Cheadle to 100 to secure the win.

Paul Hanrahan led the way with 32 retired and 3-20, well supported by Abas Rizi (32 retired) and Mark Almond (3-28).

On Saturday, the first XI welcome divisional leaders Oulton Park to Dane Road and the seconds travel to Heaton Mersey. On Sunday, the third XI travel to second-placed Didsbury and the fourths host Heaton Mersey.