Cheshire County Cricket League Division 2
Ashton on Mersey CC 1st XI 250 all out
Lost to
Upton CC 1st XI 356 -7
Ashton on Mersey toiled on a scorching day at The Beets as their disappointing season continued with a loss to Upton.
Losing the toss and being asked to bowl first on one of the hottest days of the year, the home side were soon hampered by the removal from their attack of their main strike bowler. Fraser Hay. Hay’s hamstring strain limited him to just five excellent overs, and his loss proved a major problem for the home attack.
Ashton managed to grab two early wickets but Chris McArthur and Lee Dixon came together to put the support bowling to the sword. With both players looking unthreatened by anything Ashton could deliver, they put on over 150 runs for the 3rd wicket to take the game away from the hosts.
McArthur went through to a fine century, eventually falling for 122 at better than a run a ball. Dixon fell just 13 runs short of his ton, but any hope that the Upton score could be kept within sight was snuffed out by Joe Green and Matty Brayne who drove the score beyond the 350 mark in quick time.
The Ashton bowling kept going on a hugely challenging day, but their lack of penetration without the services of Hay was notable.
In reply Ashton bravely went for the runs from the off, but the loss of wickets prevented any chance of a miracle chase. A half century for Tom Jenkinson and some fine hitting from James Marshall were the highlights of a defiant innings from Ashton, but even a maximum bonus point total of 250 left them losers by 106 runs. David Williams pocketed 5-51 to take the bowling honours.
The loss leaves Ashton rock bottom of the table and a long way adrift from safety. They will be playing for pride over the coming weeks.
The 2nd XI recorded another fine win at promotion chasing Romiley. Ashton 212 all out (Jack Cumersdale 67, Sam Thoburn 55) Romiley 151 all out (Ryan Carey 3-20)
The 3rd XI played out a nail-biting tied game at home to Romiley. Romiley 214-4 Maximus Griffin 84) Ashton 214 all out (Aaron Jones 50, George Healey 5-35)
Pictured
Fraser Hay fields
James Marshall bats
