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Sale 2nd XI kept up their unbeaten record after a thrilling last gap win at Bollington. The new boys predictably asked Sale to bat first on a below par looking wicket. As is now customary, Briggs & Malik made a brisk start, scoring quickly against an inconsistent opening attack. The first bowling change brought a wicket as Malik (19) miss-queued to mid-off. Whitelegg then joined Briggs, who together pushed the score on, making the most of the short boundary on one side.
Briggs was once again cut off when looking set for a big score when he was adjudged LBW on 36. Whitelegg kept the momentum going for Sale, but was starved of the strike for long periods, meaning that Sale were set to fall short of the 200 plus score they threatened.
Whitelegg finally fell for 81 with two overs to go, Sale scoring 177-8 off their 50 overs.
Almond & O'Donnell both made early breakthrough's reducing Bollington to 15-2. However a determined 3rd wicket stand stabilised their response, with off-spinner Butt being punished for any lapses in length. Moore's long, tight spell was finally rewarded with a smart caught & bowled. This breakthrough proved critical for Sale as Butt and Moore picked up a further 3 wickets in the following few overs.
Despite this the required rate remained gettable, Bollington needing 45 off the last ten overs with 4 wickets still in hand. Fortunately for Sale catches started sticking at the crucial time as Butt and Hopkins both held smart catches off O'Donnell and Moore (14-6-45-3).
Almond (14.4-4-33-4) proved the hero for Sale picking up the final two wickets in the penultimate over to leave Bollington just 8 runs short off their target. The 24 point victory will set Sale up nicely for the visit of fellow high flyers Birkenhead Park next week.
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