SALE'S Ben Watkin took an incredible four wickets in as many deliveries as he helped his side to an eight-wicket victory at Bramhall and ease their relegation fears in the process.

It was a vital clash in Division One of the Cheshire County league – Bramhall had slipped out of the promotion places after four rain cancellations and Sale needed a result at the bottom end.

Sale asked the home side to bat first, who found run scoring difficult against new-ball bowlers Dan Newton and Ali Barrowman.

Newton quickly nipped out opener Ruaridh Holloran Patel before Barrowman removed the dangerous Adam Wilde for 23.

Rich Adams and Barrowman struck again to reduce Bramhall to 47-4.

Ashley West (35) then dug in, but wickets kept falling at the other end as an inspired spell from Watkin saw him take four quick wickets as the home side slumped to 64-8.

Bramhall rallied before they were all out for 113 in the final over.

Viraj Sorathia and Mat Spells got Sale off to a solid start, adding 27 for the first wicket after tea, before two quick wickets reduced Sale to 30-2.

Too often this season that has led to a Sale collapse, but 16-year-old Newton showed no signs of nerves as he hit 70 off just 65 balls, including 13 boundaries, to upset the form book and ease Sale to victory inside 37 overs.

Sale's second XI also had the better of the reverse fixture at Dane Road, picking up 12 points as Bramhall batted out for a draw in the second innings.

A welcome return to form for Joe Cannon saw him score a patient 54 at the top of the innings, well supported by skipper Gareth Watterson with 40, as Sale posted 188-5.

Relegation-threatened Bramhall were happy to play out for a draw after tea, reaching 119-7 at the close.

Andy Millward was the pick of the bowling with 3-26 on his return to the side.

Sale third XI lost to championship rivals Stockport Georgians on Sunday after posting a below-par 133 all out, Sam Battersby top scoring with 38.

Georgians costed home for the loss of four wickets after tea.

The fourths lost at home to newly-formed North-East Cheshire, being bowled out for 100 in pursuit of 200-4.

Joe Wicks picked up 2-43 and Jack Brassell top scored with 32.

On Saturday, Sale have another crucial game as they host Romiley at Dane Road, with the second XI playing the reverse fixture.