SALE had the better of a rain-affected game against fellow strugglers Romiley at Dane Road, but could not force a win in a game reduced to 76 overs.

It means both sides remain in the danger zone in Division One of the Cheshire County League with all to play for in the next two weeks.

The crucial point in the match turned out to be the toss, that Sale lost, meaning they were asked to bat first.

With difficult batting conditions openers Viraj Sorathia and Mat Spells got Sale off to a steady start, reaching 56-1 at drinks.

Skipper Tyrone Lawrence started to accelerate, hitting 36 at number three.

Mike Bishop then contributed 31 not out, well supported by a brisk 17 from Rick Halkon, as Sale closed on 143-7 off 38 overs.

Sale made the perfect start after tea as they reduced the visitors to 17-4 off the first 13 overs, Ali Barrowman the main aggressor with an opening spell of 3-18.

Tom Rolph (32) and David Badrock (34) fought back for Romiley, before their dismissals to Halkon and Lawrence gave Sale an opening.

Rich Adams then nipped out two further wickets, but his side could not force the win as the visitors limped to 102-8 in a game that Sale would have surely won had it gone the full duration.  Sale picked up 12 points to Romiley’s seven.

The reverse fixture at Romiley played out in similar fashion where it was Sale second XI’s turn to hold on for a draw.

Batting first Romiley posted an impressive 176-7 in 37 overs, Tom Riley the pick of the bowlers for Sale with 4-33.

In reply, Sale made the worst possible start losing Sam Battersby and Dan Osborne without scoring to make the score 8-2.

Opener Dan Khan made a useful 20 at the top of the order and Jamie Coombes made a patient 51no, but Sale kept losing wickets and falling further behind the rate.

Sale eventually closed on 108-6, picking up seven draw points.

On Saturday, the first XI visit Bollington and the seconds host Stockport Georgians at Dane Road, while on Sunday the thirds play their final fixture at Alderley Edge and the fourths host Elworth.