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Sale lost out in the tightest of finishes against top of the table Christleton on Saturday. Sale were asked to bat and after the early loss of Millward made a confident start. Butt and Allum saw off the lively pace of Malkin & Briscoe, who were then replaced by slow bowlers Newell & Campbell.
With both batsmen well set and batting confidently drinks came at the wrong time for Sale, Butt falling immediately after the re-start for 35. Allum pushed on, but received little support from his colleagues, none of whom made double figures.
Allum eventually fell for 61, soon after Sale subsided to 140 all out, Newell 5-26 and Campbell 4-26.
In reply Christleton looked comfortable despite loosing two early wickets. Newell and Campbell followed up wickets with runs, putting together a useful 3rd wicket partnership. Skipper Millward then put the brakes on with his deceptively slow bowling, as Campbell fell caught and bowled for 30.
Despite this Christleton looked set for victory until a moment of inspiration from Halkon as his direct hit from deep mid wicket ran Crowley out for 17. The next 4 batsmen managed 6 runs between them as Jamil, Kamran & Halkon trapped them all LBW.
However a gritty 28 not out from Briscoe saw Christleton through to the tightest of victories, Kamran finishing with 3-37 for Sale.
Sale must take the many positives from their performance against the would-be Champions into the games ahead.
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