SALE second XI have been promoted back to Division One of the Cheshire County League at the first time of asking.

They had 14-year-old Dan Newton to thank as his first senior century secured an unlikely looking win at Bollington.

Sale were asked to bowl first as the Bollington openers made a positive start, reaching drinks without losing a wicket.

The Dane Road men fought back well after the break, led by Siyan Siraj who took 5-43 as the home side finished on 217-8.

Sale's reply got off to a shaky start as they were reduced to 19-3 and then 98-6 as a promotion-damaging defeat loomed large.

This did not deter young Cheshire batsman Newton who fought well with support from Siraj (38) and Soans Praveen (41) as he reached his maiden century (106 not out) and also brought up his 1,000th run of the campaign, seeing Sale home by three wickets with three overs to spare.

Elsewhere, third-placed Alvanley lost to second-placed Stockport Georgians, meaning promotion was secured as Sale headed into the final two games with a 21-point advantage.

The fourths also have their fate in their own hands after they defeated third-placed Stockport Trinity in Sunday East Division Three, maintaining an eight-point advantage over Lindow with one game to go.

In a rain-reduced game, Sale chased down 77-9 at Trinity for the loss of three wickets, Zikria Nadeem (31no) and Ian Habershon (38no) formed the winning partnership.

With only one team promoted they need to win their final game at Heaton Mersey fourths on Sunday to secure the divisional title and promotion. 

The 1st XI lost a competitive game at home to Bollington on Saturday, but did secure enough points to ensure any mathematical chance of relegation was ended.

Sale elected to bat first and found themselves struggling at 67-4 after losing early wickets, before a late cameo from chairman Paul Battersby (41no) ensured they posted a competitive 177-8. Skipper Keith Wellings showed some late season form with 34no.

After tea Sale also took early wickets, before 76 from Jack Ward for the visitors guided them home with two overs to spare. Young fast bowler Mal Clarke proved the pick for Sale with 3-46.

Sale third XI rounded off their Premiership-winning season with their 12th win out of 18 games against relegated Didsbury fourths, securing a final winning margin of 51 points over second-placed Didsbury thirds.

Didsbury fourths posted an imposing total as they reached 247-7 off 45 overs, Mike Jones and Abas Rizvi taking two wickets apiece.

Sale made light work of the reply despite losing Rizvi in the first over after tea.  Viraj Sorathia became the second 14-year-old batsman to pass 1,000 runs for the season as he hit 34 in a stand of 103 with Soans Praveen for the second wicket.

Sale did not lose another wicket as Praveen hit a magnificent 145no to see them home with two overs to spare, Newton continuing where he left off the previous day with 62no.

On Saturday the first XI visit leaders Oulton Park and the seconds host Heaton Mersey.