SALE'S first XI secured a vital win against Urmston on Saturday to move clear of the relegation zone in Division One of the Cheshire County League. 

Sale belied their recent poor record against Urmston to win with a ball to spare in a tight finish.

Urmston batted first and made a positive start against Sale’s opening attack, Furkan Hassan had reached 35 when he was run out by Matt Wilson.

Callum Turner top scored with 49 at the top of the order before he was one of four victims for 14-year-old spinner Isaac Brooks.

Brooks and leg-spinner Rick Halkon have struck up an effective partnership this season and controlled the middle overs as the visitors were restricted to 243-7, Brooks finishing with 4-61.

Despite the early loss of Greg Gyves, Sale made a positive start after tea, Matt Wilson hitting a season’s best 60 and Mat Spells 33.

Tyrone Lawrence continued his fine recent form with 64, well supported by 23 from Chris Canning.

Ryan Burgess looked to have got Sale to their target, however when he fell for 47 in the final over Sale still needed three runs for victory.

Enter the unflappable Danial Khan who levelled the score off his first ball and hit the winning runs off his second to secure a memorable win.

Sale's second XI made it a double against Urmston in the reverse fixture after a rare appearance from all-rounder Rob Merga led them to a comfortable win.

Merga took 5-55 as Urmston were bowled out for 217 in the first innings, with good support from Zikria Nadeem (2-44) and Siyan Siraj (2-43).

In reply, Sale had reached 93-4 before an unbeaten stand of 127 between Merga and Dan Newton saw them home with six overs to spare, Merga finishing on 58 not out and Newton 54no.

On Sunday, the thirds held on for a draw at home to Cheadle.

The visitors were bowled out for 256 in the final over, Sujith Nag and Sasiraj Pushparajah taking three wickets apiece.

Sale held on at 200-9 after tea, Insaf top scoring with 53, Sons Praveen (32) and Manoj Kumar (29) chipping in.

The Silverbacks had a walkover against Whalley Range in the over-40s' competition.

On Saturday, the first XI travel to Macclesfield and the seconds host Cheadle at Dane Road.

On Sunday, the thirds visit Oxton and the fourths host Ashton-on-Mersey.