For the second week running, the top three teams in Division One of the Cheshire County League all won, leaving Sale CC 20 points behind in third with two games to go.

Sale eased to an eight-wicket win after being asked to field first by visitors Oulton Park.

Dan Newton struck early, removing skipper Martin East for six before Danny Leech and Teix Bolingbroke (20) added 45 for the second wicket.

Leech then added 46 for the third wicket with Frank Farrington before the introduction of spinner Will Valentine turned the game for Sale.

He dismissed Leech for 54 and Farrington for 19, and soon picked up a third wicket to make it 106-4.

Tyrone Lawrence also picked up three wickets as the visitors rallied to close on a below par 184-8, largely thanks to an unbeaten 49 from Andrew Metcalf.

Sale got off to the worst possible start, losing Mat Spells in the first over.

Pat Ashling was next to go with the score on 33 after posting a breezy 21.

Sale did not lose another wicket, though, as they coasted to their target with six overs to spare. After a watchful start Lawrence (75 not out) and Newton (85no) saw the home side to 25 points.

Sale second XI lost by five wickets at Nantwich after being bowled out for 124, Muneeb Iftikhar top scoring with 35.

They took wickets at regular intervals but the home side reached their target with time and overs to spare.

The thirds started the weekend top of the Sunday Premier Division, but suffered a heavy defeat at third-placed Didsbury. Fortunately for Sale, leaders Stockport Georgians also lost at Toft, meaning the Dane Road side will finish as champions if they beat Alderley Edge on Sunday.

Sale did well to restrict the home side to 180-8 in 40 overs, Grant Whittaker with 3-43.

In reply, Sale were never in the game despite 50 for opener Tom Jenkinson as they subsided to 108 all out in 35 overs.

On Saturday, Sale first XI travel to Congleton and the seconds host Bowdon.