IT was a mixed weekend for Sale's cricket teams as the wet weather forced both the first and second XIs to play reduced games.

The firsts remain close to the drop zone as they could only manage a draw but a good win moved the second XI clear of the relegation zone.

The seconds welcomed back a number of first-choice players as they entertained Heaton Mersey in a game reduce to 70 overs.

Opener Viraj Sorathia played what would be the match-winning innings with a classy 80 at the top of the order.

He was well supported by Shashwat Rusia with 25 as Sale closed on 143-5 off 35 overs.

The visitors made a confident start as their openers added 42 for the first wicket before the introduction of Siyan Siraj turned the game in Sale’s favour.

He removed both openers and went on to finish with 5-17 on his return to the team.

Sorathia then showed his all-round abilities as he took three wickets to wrap up the innings for just 79 inside 26 overs, the final nine wickets falling for just 37 runs.

The first XI travelled to Davenham hoping to get their season back on track in a game reduced to the minimum 60 overs.

The home side posted a challenging 195-4 off 30 overs, largely due to a barnstorming 84 off 55 balls from Sam Hatcher that proved the difference between the two sides, Tyrone Lawrence the pick of the bowling for Sale with 3-60.

Lawrence kept Sale in with a chance as he almost matched Hatcher with 78 off 55 balls, but Sale fell 24 runs short and had to settle for seven draw points.

Any outside chance of winning the Sunday Premier Division probably faded for the third XI on Sunday as they held on for a draw against strugglers Toft.

Toft were asked to bat first and posted a challenging 210 all out in the final over.  Ghani Khan returned 4-49 and Shashwat Rusia 3-25.

In reply, Sale could not get any partnerships going, eventually batting out for a draw at 113-8.

The original Silverback, Iain Harrop, showed he is still the alpha of the pack with a match-winning performance for Sale fourth XI at local rivals, Ashton-on-Mersey, bringing the team its first victory of the season.

Batting first, Harrop top-scored with 107 while key contributions from Max Bishop (30), and father and son, Indi (25) and Rahul (11) Minocha, saw Sale top 200.

Ashton were despatched for 119, faced by strong performances from Sale’s juniors.

Opening bowler, Ivan Flitcroft, removed the top three and picked up a run-out with a direct hit from the boundary while Vaasu Goyal took a hat-trick – all bowled.

Arnav Kamble also took a wicket and Harrop picked up a couple.

On Saturday, the second XI host Bramhall at Dane Road and the firsts play the reverse fixture, while on Sunday, the third XI visit Stockport Georgians and the fourths host North East Cheshire.