Author name: Ian Roberts

Fraser Hay strikes with the ball

Cheshire County Cricket League Division 2 Ashton on Mersey CC 1st XI 150 all out Lost to Haslington CC 1st XI 151 -6 Hugh Gibbons bats Ashton’s poor run of form continued, as they fell to a disappointing loss on the road at Haslington. Being asked to bat first on a pitch which promised help for the bowlers, Ashton started brightly with Hugh Gibbons and Mark Weighill putting on 54 for the first wicket. After both openers fell, the Ashton batting tried to consolidate their effort and whilst progress slowed, they were reasonably placed at 111 for 3 with 14 overs to go in the innings. But any thoughts of acceleration were snuffed out as the batting folded in the face of some accurate bowling from the home side. Ashton lost their last 7 wickets for just 39 runs to finish on a below par 150. Haslington all rounder Ben Istead took the bowling honours with 4-22. When Haslington batted, Ashton had early success as opening bowlers Fraser Hay and Kris Green, together with spinner Zaheer Khan, reduced the home side to 57-5. But several lapses in the field, with catches not being taken and overthrows being conceded, helped the home side recover and eventually prosper. Istead played with his usual class and in combination with Joe Goodier and Freddie Taylor he saw his side home for an ultimately comfortable 4 wicket win. Khan finished with three well-deserved wickets, but Ashton’s error strewn out-cricket was the defining factor in this game. The result leaves Ashton just one place above the relegation zone ahead of next week’s crucial clash with bottom-placed Mobberley at The Beets. There was better news for Ashton’s 2nd XI who won a tense home game against Haslington 2nds. Haslington 217 all out Gareth Collins 55, Max Ross 53, Yousuf Bhamjee 5-55) Ashton 218-8 (James Newton 48, Matt Rhind 47). The 3rd XI also brightened the spirits with a win at Romiley. Ashton 153-8 (Charlie Eaton 40 no, Zach Roberts 38) Romiley 90 all out (Imran Sadiq 6-25, Max Lilley 3-22).