Jamal Benzafar bats
Cheshire County Cricket League Division 2
Ashton on Mersey CC 1st XI 158-9
Lost to
Cheadle Hulme CC 1st XI 161-7
Ashton on Mersey fell to another defeat despite an improved performance against Cheadle Hulme at The Beets.
Having won the toss and elected to bat, Ashton were rocked before a ball was bowled as one of their top order batsmen had to withdraw from the game due to a domestic emergency.
The challenges continued as early wickets fell to the opening attack of Scott Howarth and Andrew Wylie. But the experienced Jamal Benzafar dug in to stabilise the Ashton effort.
Benzafar looked set for a half century before unluckily dragging a ball onto his stumps on 47. Runs from Akash Patel and James Marshall allowed the score to mount but when Marshall was last man out with the score on 158, the total seemed below par. The excellent Howarth was the Cheadle Hulme bowling pick, finishing with 4-47.
In reply Ashton struck early with Jackson Noske bowling a fiery opening spell, well supported by teenager Charlie Eaton. Cheadle Hulme were rocking on 57-5 before Aayush Singh Slathia and Sam Walker came together to turn the game in the visitors’ favour.
Their partnership reached 80 before Noske returned to remove Walker. But despite a final wobble, Cheadle Hulme got over the line for a three-wicket win. Noske was rewarded for a fine effort with figures of 4-35.
Jackson Noske bowls
The loss leaves Ashton rooted in the relegation zone although they will take some comfort from their improved performance. They will hope to continue the improvement when they visit fellow strugglers Christleton in the next round of league games.
Ashton’s 2nd XI lost their top of the table clash with Didsbury. Ashton 145 all out (Nigel Bellamy 4-23) Didsbury 151-4 (Tom Brady 63 not out).
Both the 3rd XI and Women’s team lost.
