Cricket under the auspices of the Cheshire County Cricket League finally returned following the coronavirus crisis. 

With regionalised fixtures, no league championships, promotion or relegation and a flexible format the focus was on getting the game on and returning to some sort of normality.

The overnight predictions of rain proved unfounded, meaning Sale’s 1st XI match at Grappenhall started on time with a 45 overs per side format agreed.

Sale were invited to bat first and showed their rustiness, several batsman making starts, but none going on to make telling contributions. 

Dan Newton (34) and Sam Battersby (30) were the leading scorers as Sale were bowled out for a below-par 162 in the final over.

The home team made a confident start reaching 62-1 before two quick wickets gave Sale hope, but Grappers dug in and coasted home for the loss of five wickets with three overs to spare.

Sale 2nd XI made a better return to action, bowling out Timperley for 115 in the final over of their 40 overs per side encounter. 

Skipper Gareth Watterson led the way with 4-20, well supported by young off-spinner James Dodds (3-29).

Dodds showed he is equally useful with the bat as he top scored with 49 as Sale reached their target with ease in the 37th over for the loss of five wickets.

Sale 3rd XI were well beaten at Didsbury on Sunday, Theo Brodbeck top scoring with 38 out of 98 all out.  The home team reached their target for the loss of three wickets.

Sale 4th XI had a comfortable win against Northwich after posting 143-8, Jared Moran (51) and Indish Minocha (43).  In reply the visitors were bowled out for 111, Ivan Flitcroft taking 3-12 and Ben Habershon 3-23.

Earlier in the week Sale Silverbacks had the better of a friendly over 40s fixture against Ashton-on-Mersey.  Mike Bishop, Iain Harrop and Ian Habershon all retiring after reaching 30.