Easy win for Sale CC 2s as Weather Takes Hold

Sale 2nd XI beat struggling Widnes at Dane Road on Saturday to all but confirm a top half finish in division one of the Vivio Cheshire County League. Sale completed a comfortable 7 wicket victory thanks to another fine all round performance from Dan Newton.

Search sponsored Sale got off the perfect start after winning the toss and electing to field as Newton removed danger men Andy Kirby and Ben Hewitt for ducks.

Father and son Tim and James Wearden top scored with 33 and 32 respectively but Widnes had no answer to Newton who finished with remarkable figures of 5 wickets for 10 runs off 8 overs.

Veteran Mark Almond on a rare appearance and Gareth Watterson on the comeback from injury both took two wickets as the visitors were dismissed for 108 in 42 overs.

Sale made short work of their reply after tea. Skipper Jamal Benzafar top scored with 45 at the top of the order, well supported by Viraj Sorathia (27)

After the loss of 3 wickets it was left to Newton to see Sale to their target with a breezy 30 not out as the home tea coasted home in the 25th over.

The reverse fixture at Widnes was played in an attacking manner after the delayed start meant both sides were guaranteed 7 points no matter the result.

Unfortunately the home team came off the better as the racked up 178-5 off 27 overs despite two early wickets for Sale. Tyrone Lawrence and Isaac Brooks both picking up two wickets.

In reply Sale had a free hit at the target, but only Chris Canning got to terms with the chase hitting 41 off 44 balls as Sale were bowled out for 92.

On Sunday both fixtures fell victim to the weather, the 4th XI at home to Disley 3s and the 3rd XI at Nantwich we’re both cancelled.

On Saturday the 1st XI welcome Bollington to Dane Road and the 2nd XI travel to Warrington, on Sunday the 4th XI visit Bollington and the 3rd XI have no fixture.

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