SALE CC’s first XI had to settle for a draw against Timperley in the Cheshire County league on Saturday in a game that could easily gone to either side.

Timperley won the toss and made the unusual decision to bat first and soon found conditions to their liking as they raced to 120-2, helped by some lax fielding from the home side.

Sale’s twin spin attack of Ben Watkin and James Dodds then made the breakthrough, Watkin holding a return catch off top scorer Jamie Matthews (42).

Dodds then claimed four wickets in tandem with the returning Dan Newton who picked up three late wickets to restrict the visitors to a very chasable 215 all out.

Sale got off to a flying start at Patrick Ashling raced to 42 in a stand of 70 with Dodds, before three quick wickets including a disastrous run out of Newton left the home side on 74-3.

Tyrone Lawrence and Gareth Davies took the score to 137, but the loss of Lawrence for 32 prompted another flurry of wickets as Davies batted out for 47 not out as Sale closed on 170-8 and finished with eight points.

Timperley spinners Chidambaran (4-44) and Brown (2-22) bowled 29 tight overs between them.

Elsewhere, Brooklands first XI got their first win in the ECB Cheshire County Premier League in more than 20 years, as they skittled Bowdon for an astonishing 38 all out.

After promotion to the top tier of Cheshire cricket last year, Brooklands had lost their first two of the season, but that losing run ended in spectacular style.

AJ Hart continued his good early season form by taking 5-10 in a remarkable game at George’s Road, with the hosts posting a modest 116 in their 55 overs, Kevin Carroll top scoring with 33.

Bowdon, in reply, slumped to 0-3, then 1-5 and 13-7, before falling for 38 off 24 overs, 78 runs short of their target. Rob Leach took 3-12 at the other end from Hart.