June 2024

Ashton on Mersey CC 1st XI 212-4 Beat Congleton CC 1st XI 211-8 Cheshire County Cricket League Division 2 Hugh Gibbons hits out Ashton on Mersey recorded a fine win over Congleton thanks to an excellent batting performance at The Beets. Losing the toss and being asked to bowl first, Ashton did well to restrict the early efforts of Congleton, with James Marshall in particular delivering an exceptional opening spell. Whilst several of the visitors’ batters got starts, none of them could go on to make an innings-defining score. Spinner Zaheer Khan snuffed out any attempt to accelerate the run rate, finishing with well-deserved figures of 4-32. Backed up by some fine work in the field, Ashton had Congleton on the ropes, before Jayden Armstrong and John Copeland came together to provide the visitors with some hope. Chancing their arm, the pair hit out to take the score beyond 200, leaving Ashton with a batting challenge to confront. Ashton’s reply began steadily with Macca Hooton and debutant Hugh Gibbons putting on 45 for the first wicket before Hooton fell. Gibbons was joined by Mike Roberts and the pair worked together to create the basis of victory for the home side. With both batters playing steady cricket, whilst pouncing on anything loose, they put on 136 for the 2nd wicket, before Roberts was dismissed for an invaluable 43. The excellent Gibbons, who had been the leader of the partnership with Roberts, posted a superb century before departing with the winning post in sight. Ashton got over the line with 4 overs to spare for the loss of 4 wickets. Gibbons’ excellent performance allowed Ashton to move up the table and they will be looking forward to the challenge of travelling to promotion-chasing Maritime in the next round of league games. Ashton’s 2nd XI made it another double winning Saturday as they overcame Stockport CC. Ashton 161-9 (James Newton 33) Stockport 108 all out (Qand Agha 52 not out, Kris Green 4-20). Gibbons celebrates his century