SALE first XI kick-started their 2019 campaign with a comfortable eight-wicket win against Upton on Saturday – their first victory in Division One of the Cheshire County League.

Sale were asked to field first by visitors Upton and struck the first blow as Dan Newton had Andy Roberts caught behind for six.

Sale kept the pressure on with some tight bowling, but it took until the 15th over for the second wicket to fall as Rich Adams nipped out brothers Matt and Dan Owen to take the score to 52-3 by the 21st over.

After a quiet couple of seasons leg spinner Rick Halkon got back into his old groove, taking the wicket of the dangerous Connor Smith for 42 with the score on 83.

Smith’s dismissal started a procession as the visitors subsided to 105-9, Halkon taking all five wickets.

Darren Leach and Liam Sundve then added 34 for the 10th wicket before Halkon finally got his man to finish with 7-41 off 12.5 overs as Upton were dismissed for 139 in the 48th over.

Despite the early loss of skipper Keith Wellings after tea, Sale coasted to their target for the loss of just two wickets.

Matt Wilson (17) and Tyrone Lawrence added 36 for the second wicket, before Lawrence was joined by 16-year-old Dan Newton.

Senior partner Lawrence led the way with an unbeaten 70, while Newton, newly-promoted from the second XI, completed an impressive performance with 51 not out as Sale reached their target in the 33rd over.

Sale's second XI had a tougher game at neighbours Timperley, but managed to hold on for a draw.

They elected to bowl first against a strong Timperley side, Sasiraj Pushparajah taking 3-71 and Tom Riley 3-30 as the home side posted 236-9.

In reply, Sale got off to the worst possible start, slumping to 6-3.

Young opener James Dodds continued to impress with an assured 35 at the top of the order and Pushparajah showed his all-round abilities as they took the score to 76.

Wickets continued to fall so when Pushparajah went for 41 with the score on 115-8 defeat looked likely.

However a rearguard action from Will Radcliffe (23no) and Steve Mycock (7no) saw Sale hold out at 142-8 and pick up seven points.

The third XI secured an impressive win at home to Grappenhall on Sunday, skipper Soans Pravin leading the way with an unbeaten 85 as Sale coasted home for the loss of one wicket inside 28 overs, Will Radcliffe hitting 28.

Earlier in the match Sale had bowled the visitors out for 137 after asking them to bat first, Ghani Khan the leading bowler with 3-25, Riley and Baig with a brace a-piece.

The fourth XI found it much harder at Lindow, posting 155 all out after recovering from 72-7 – largely down to 85 not out from Ian Habershon, including a stand of 51 for the 10th wicket with Joe Wicks.

After tea Sale rued not taking the chances they did create, Matt Hoyle punishing them for dropping him early in his innings with 97no.

Arnav Kamble took his first senior wicket on debut as Lindow coasted home for the loss of two wickets.

Earlier in the week Sale Silverbacks over-40s side lost by six wickets at Timperley.

Mark Almond hit 30 retired in a below-par 107 all out after Sale had been 69-3 off nine overs.

Keith Wellings took 2-15 as Timperley got home with an over to spare.

Sale first XI also lost their re-arranged T20 cup game against Timperley.

Greg Gyves hit 35 and Dan Newton 28no as Sale posted 146-6, but Premier Division leaders Timperley coasted home by eight wickets inside 15 overs.

On Saturday the first XI visit Didsbury and the seconds host Warrington, while on Sunday the third XI travel to Cheadle and the fourths host Woodley.