A series of stop start matches for the seniors over the weekend as we were reminded that rain does fall during the English summer.
The 1s produced one of their better performances of the season to overcome Haslington at the Beets. Winning the toss (in itself a rarity this season) allowed us to bowl first and Tai Khan rose to the occasion to deliver one of the best new ball spells seen at the Beets in many months.
His 4 wicket haul broke the back of the visitors batting effort and with Zaheer Khan also taking 4, it looked like our guests were heading for a low score. But some late order hitting helped them reach a respectable total of 170 despite some fine fielding and catching by the Ashton XI.
A reduced target of 145 after breaks in play was easily reached as Dave Patterson and James Lines got us off to a flyer, leaving it to Haris Yassin to take us over the line with a classy unbeaten 50.
The win still leaves us at the foot of the table but the candle of hope still burns for those of us who dream!
The 2s came up short on their trip to Haslington. Batting first Ashton delivered a consistent effort, with contributions from Sam Thozer, Ryan Carey, Suhan Shetty and Will Kane, but no-one could go on to build a decisive innings and the total of 179 felt a little below par.
And so it proved as the home team got to their reduced target of 165 thanks to an unbeaten 66 from Will Dale. The result leaves the 2s in mid-table with still plenty to play for in the coming weeks.
The 3s lost another rain interrupted game at Bowdon. The hosts batted first and despite 3 wickets for Steve Abell they topped the 200 mark thanks to 87 from Piyush Kumar and 54 from Sulaiman Anis. In reply Tom Stockton led the way but when he was run out for 33 we struggled to keep up with the run rate as wickets fell. The innings closed on 106-7 with the game once again giving our developing players more experience of life at this level.
