Sale 1st XI moved to within 1 point of the top of division one of the Cheshire County league following a comfortable win over struggling Congleton.

Visitors Congleton asked I S Recruitment sponsored Sale to bat first and made a confident start passing 50 for the loss of just one wicket.

The introduction of spinner Isaac Brooks proved the turning point for Sale as he soon dismissed Rhys Lewis, with fellow spinner Will Valentine removing Tom Leese for 33 to make the score 66-3

The visitors had no repose to Brooks who took the next 5 wickets to fall to make the score 170-8 and finishing with figures of 6-58.

Congleton scrambled another 11 runs before being bowled out for 181 in the 50th over.

Despite the loss of James Dodds with the score on 31, Sale made light work of the chase.

Patrick Ashling continuing his fine recent form, taking the score post 100 with Valentine (28).

Ashling was next to go for 93 with the score on 150.

Dan Newton then saw Sale home with an unbeaten 37 as the home side reached their target with 13 overs to spare.

Thanks to match sponsor David Wilkinson.

Sale 2nd XI was once again rued not batting their full 50 overs at second placed Bowdon, being bowled out for 201 in the 48th over.

Maneeb Iftikhar top scored with 56 off just 47 balls after openers Jamie Coombes (32) and Joe Molloy (29) had got Sale off to a solid start.

Bowdon were pushed all the way but eventually reached their target for the loss of 8 wickets with 4 overs to spare. Iftikah taking 5-57.

Sale 3rd XI’s trip to Alderley Edge was curtailed on Sunday when the heavens opened and Sale 4th XI had a walkover against Langley, who couldn’t raise a team.

Earlier in the week Sale 1st XI reached the last 8 of the T20 cup after completing a straight-forward win over Port Sunlight.

Pat Ashling hit 86 as Sale posted 180-5. The visitors could only muster 140-8, Will Valentine 3-28.

Next Saturday the top two meet as Sale 1st XI travel to Bowdon, whilst the 2nd XI welcome Toft to Dane Road. On Sunday Sale 3rd XI host leaders Didsbury and the 4th XI visit Cheadle Hulme Ladybridge.