Cracking start to the cricket season for Sale 1st XI

It was a terrific start to the new Cheshire County Cricket League season on Saturday (23rd April) for Sale’s 1st XI, with a comfortable six-wicket win against Wilmslow’s promoted side, Lindow.

Playing at Sale Sports Club, the home side asked Lindow to bat first and soon had the visitors in trouble as Dan Newton (main image) and Amlyn Layton both struck early.

Opener Ben Herriot made a busy 24, but when he was caught off, Lindow were 27-3.

The wickets continued to fall as Newton picked up his third wicket alongside a brace for captain Tyrone Lawrence, which reduced the visitors to 88-7, with only Johan Wessels showing any resistance.

He then found a willing partner in Ryan O’Brien as they added 72 for the 8th wicket before Wessels was run out for 91.

Only eight more runs were added as Ben Watkin cleaned up the tail with two late wickets as Lindow were bowled out for 168 in the 39th over.

Sale knocked off the target without too many dramas as Pat Ashling (22) added 40 for the 1st wicket with James Dodds. Lawrence then added 33 to take the score past 100.

Opener Dodds (51) was next to go, with the score on 124, shortly after completing his maiden 1st XI 50.

A quick-fire 36 from Newton took Sale to within nine runs of victory, which soon followed with 24 overs and six wickets to spare.

Sale 2nd XI faced a tough start on their return to the premier division as they travelled to well-established Neston, but acquitted themselves well posting 231-4 after winning the toss.

Opener Joe Molloy scored 50 and Grant Whittaker 86, well supported by skipper Gareth Watterson (33) as Sale posted a competitive total.

Despite Watterson taking two early wickets, Neston reached their target thanks to 123 not out from Paddy Brown and 81 for David Manchett.

Sale picked up a useful 9 points despite the loss.

Sale 3rd XI suffered a disappointing loss against Ashton-on-Mersey in the T20 cup on Sunday (24th April).

Despite holding the visitors to 137-5 in 20 overs (Lionel Thompson 3-17), Sale couldn’t get going in the second innings as they closed on 113-5. Jamie Coombes was the top scorer with 41.

We look forward to the Sale 1st XI continuing their success as the season progresses! 🏏

Main image credit: George Franks