AN outstanding performance from Sale leg spinner Rick Halkon set up a convincing eight-wicket win over Middlewich in Division One of the Vivio Cheshire County Cricket League.

Halkon took a career best 9-32, including a hat-trick, to blow away bottom of the table Middlewich.

With the other leading clubs also winning there was no change in the quest for a place in the ECB Premier League next season.

Sale won the toss and asked the visitors to bat first.

Leandro du Toit (16) made a fluent start before offering a simple stumping in the sixth over.

Just four more runs were added before number three Andrew Davies was pinned LBW by Halkon for two.

Kieran Boyle was bowled for a 13-ball duck soon after to reduce Middlewich to 29-3.

Jamie Williams and captain Nick Gill began to rebuild the innings, adding 38 before Williams inexplicably hit Halkon to Ben Watkin at midwicket, who took the catch at the second attempt to send him back for 33.

Gill soon chased a wide one from Ali Barrowman and was smartly caught at gully by Jon Hall to put Middlewich in trouble at 75-5 with 20 overs remaining.

Wickets continued to fall as the dangerous Kristian Clowes edged an attempted sweep to Chris Canning for five, Middlewich now 88-7.

Halkon then rounded off his day in the perfect way, taking a hat-trick to end the Middlewich innings without further addition to the score.

Halkon’s final figures of 9-32, eclipsed his 9-42 against Bollington in 2012.

Openers Ian Dixon and Ryan Rickelton got off to a flying start, taking 24 runs off the first three overs.

The score had reached 33 when Rickelton edged Nigel Stubbs to Williams at slip for a run-a-ball 13.

Tyrone Lawrence joined Dixon at the crease, playing some expansive shots on his way to a brisk 26 before he edged behind.

With 12 needed Dixon took 14 off what would turn out to be the last over from Stephen Bliss, including a huge six over midwicket, to reach 46 not out and seal a comprehensive victory.

Sale second team’s chance of a late promotion run was probably halted by regular first-teamer James Conford at Middlewich.

His unbeaten century meant Sale could only manage a losing draw, closing on 188-9 in pursuit of the home side’s 216-6.

Rob Merga (73) and Jamal Benzafar (53) continued their fine form with the bat.

The third team match against Romiley on Sunday was cancelled without a ball being bowled due to persistent rain.

Sale Silverbacks, our over 40’s side, are now one win away from clinching the NE division title.

On Wednesday they completed an 8 wicket win over Bowdon, whilst nearest rivals Cheadle Hulme lost to Urmston.