Heavy rain across the county caused a near wash-out of the Cheshire County Cricket league programme at the weekend, with all four of Sale’s senior games falling foul of the weather.

The 1st and 2nd XI double header against Grappenhall was called off mid-morning on Saturday, with the 3rd XI’s home match against Nantwich and 4th XI trip to Lymm suffering the same fate on Sunday.

The only senior match played this week was Sale Silverback’s first over-40s game of the season at Grappenhall.

After being invited to bat first in a game reduced to 18 overs per side Sale posted a competitive 112-4. Paul Hanrahan top scored with 34 retired at the top of the innings, well supported by Mike Bishop (23) and Nigel Davenport (16 not out).

In reply the home team reached their target or the loss of three wickets, led by ex-Lancashire player Richard Green who retired on 33.

On Saturday it is derby day with a double header against Brooklands, the 1st XI match at Dane Road and the 2nd XI fixture at Whitehall Road.

Sale and Brooklands meet again in the Cheshire Cup on Sunday, whilst the 3rd XI visit Stockport Georgians.

n With Saturday being a washout it was Ashton on Mersey's Sunday 3rd team that took centre stage to record an impressive three-wicket win away at Woodley.

Bowling first, Ashton’s opening attack of Patrick Clear and Adi Chorgade kept things tight against the Woodley batsmen who eventually posted 164-7 with Ragu Tapal taking 3-24.

In reply, Mark Andrews and Chirag Tapal put on 50 for the first wicket to get the run chase underway. Contributions from Stephen McKinney and Ragu Tapal helped Ashton move towards the target and, despite a late wobble, the visitors got over the line with nine balls to spare. Ewan Bray was the bowling pick with 3-32.

Ashton Women’s XI fared less well at Porthill Park where they were bowled out for 30 before their hosts reached their target for the loss of four wickets.