Sale had the better of their drawn game with Congleton in the Cheshire County League thanks to a fine all-round performance from Dan Newton, but couldn’t dislodge the visitors’ final two wickets at Dane Road.

Newton scored an unbeaten 63 and took 3-30 to complete an impressive personal display.

Batting first, Sale posted 248-5 with Sam Battersby (49) and Tyrone Lawrence (28) getting them off to a solid start. Gareth Davies added a useful 34 before Sam Hunt (45 off 49 balls) and Newton pressed the accelerator (63no off 41 balls).

In reply, Congleton closed on 209-8 with Sale picking up 14 points to their visitors’ seven.

Sale 2nds beat Upton who were bowled out for 157 with Rick Halkon (5-40)and Rob Grant 4-41) doing the damage. Gareth Watterson (38) and Joe Molloy (48) impressed in Sale’s successful reply.

Sale 3rds lost their top of the table clash against Romily while the Silverbacks were beaten at Urmston.

On Saturday, Sale 1sts visit Bollington and the seconds host Stockport Georgians. On Sunday the thirds travel to Heaton Mersey and the fourths host Lymm.

n Ashton on Mersey demonstrated huge resilience as they overcame hosts Hale Barns at Brooks Drive.

Ashton opted to bowl and reduced their hosts to 26-3 who rallied to reach 195 all out – Miraj Patel (3-27) and Zohaib Khan (3-52) the pick of the bowlers.

In reply, Ashton were reduced to 8-3 but a brilliant fightback, led by Patel (78) and Mike Roberts (78no) who put together a 139-run partnership sealed victory.

Ashton’s seconds (168-3) – Noman Ghous 54, Farhan Ghous 46 – beat Hale Barns 162 all out (Sanjeev Bhatia 58, Ryan Carey 7-40).

Ashton thirds (127 all out) lost to Elworth (236-5).

Amelia Sammons took a hat-trick (4-30) and top scored with 26 but could not prevent Ashton Women (68 all out) losing to Upton (123 all out).