Sale suffered a narrow defeat at new league leaders Bollington.

The Cheshire County league encounter produced a tense finish as the home side won by two wickets.

Batting first, Sale were dismissed for a below par 151 – Tyrone Lawrence top scoring with 35 while Sam Hunt (23) led the search for quick runs, who along with Dan Newton and Rob Grant, got the rate up to a run-a-ball.

Sale made the perfect start as Lawrence and Newton removed both openers for nine runs but Bollington recovered and got home with two wickets to spare – Jerome Jones scoring 45.

Sale Seconds beat Stockport Georgians by eight wickets while the Thirds coasted to victory at Heaton Mersey and the Silverbacks got their first win at Alderley Edge.

Ashton on Mersey crashed to a heavy home defeat to Barrow on a difficult day at The Beets.

Batting first, Barrow were dismissed for 212 with openers Atiq Uz-Zaman and Jack Randle putting together a splendid 90-run partnership. Zohaib Khan was the bowling pick, finishing with a well-deserved 5-72.

The Ashton innings started in dramatic style as Ryan Holloway took two wickets in the opening over without a run on the board.

Ashton never recovered as Holloway finished with remarkable figures of 9-25 as the home side slumped to a miserable 59 all out.

Ashton’s Second team had a far more successful day, recording a fifth successive win as they beat Upton by four wickets.

The Thirds fought hard but lost to Bowdon but Ashton Women enjoyed a fine win at Stockport Georgians with batters Beth Caunce and Clare Anderton getting them over the line.