SALE Cricket Club's second XI preserved their Cheshire County League Division One status on Saturday with a convincing 58-run win at promotion-chasing Macclesfield.

Sale lost the toss but soon got off to a flying start as Greg Gyves hit 65 off just 58 balls, adding 81 for the first wicket with Jamie Coombes.

Dan Newton kept the momentum going with a fluent 41 off 50 balls at number four, and a run-a-ball 30 from Ben Watkin meant Sale posted a competitive 227-8 off 50 overs.

In replay, the dangerous John Birchall started positively, hitting 17 before he fell to a sharp one-handed catch from Rich Adams.

His dismissal sparked a collapse as the home team slumped to 31-5 and then 54-7.

Adam Longshaw then led the rebuilding with 60.

However, Sale were not to be denied the win that kept them up, with skipper Gareth Watterson returning to complete a five-wicket haul and Coombes affecting a run-out to close the innings on 169.

In the reverse fixture at Dane Road, Sale first XI used the dead rubber to give a few promising youngsters an opportunity.

Left-arm bowler Isaac Brooks was promoted to number three and soon showed his all-round abilities as he top scored with 44 as Sale posted a below-par 153 all out.

Fourteen-year-old James Dodds proved to be the pick of the bowlers for Sale after tea as he took 3-32 with his off-spin as Macclesfield coasted home for the loss of six wickets.

Sale fourths finished their season at Epworth on Sunday, losing by 135 runs.

Mike Bishop hit 35 as Sale were dismissed for 95 in pursuit of 230-2.