SALE'S second XI beat struggling Widnes at Dane Road on Saturday to all but confirm a top-half finish in Division One of the Cheshire County League.

Sale completed a comfortable seven-wicket victory thanks to another fine all-round performance from Dan Newton.

They got off the perfect start after winning the toss and electing to field as Newton removed danger men Andy Kirby and Ben Hewitt for ducks.

Father and son Tim and James Wearden top scored with 33 and 32, respectively, but Widnes had no answer to Newton who finished with remarkable figures of five wickets for 10 runs off eight overs.

Veteran Mark Almond, on a rare appearance, and Gareth Watterson, on the comeback from injury, both took two wickets as the visitors were dismissed for 108 in 42 overs.

Sale made short work of their reply after tea.

Skipper Jamal Benzafar top scored with 45 at the top of the order, well supported by Viraj Sorathia (27).

After the loss of three wickets, it was left to Newton to see Sale to their target with a breezy 30 not out as the home team coasted home in the 25th over.

The reverse fixture at Widnes was played in an attacking manner after the delayed start meant both sides were guaranteed seven points no matter the result.

Unfortunately for the Dane Road men, the home team came off the better as they racked up 178-5 off 27 overs despite two early wickets for Sale, Tyrone Lawrence and Isaac Brooks both picking up two wickets.

In reply, Sale had a free hit at the target, but only Chris Canning got to terms with the chase, hitting 41 off 44 balls as Sale were bowled out for 92.

On Sunday both fixtures fell victim to the weather, the fourths at home to Disley thirds and the third XI at Nantwich were both cancelled.

This Saturday, the first XI host Bollington at Dane Road and the seconds travel to Warrington, while on Sunday the fourth XI visit Bollington.