LEAKING covers and a water logged square meant a delayed start as Ashton on Mersey travelled to Cheadle. Having put Ashton into bat, the Cheadle bowlers made the most of the wet wicket and were soon on top. Opener Anthony Roscow battled through for 34 runs but saw wickets fall regularly at the other end.

Late contributions of 18 from skipper Peter Harris and 16 not out from

Martin Mosely took Ashton to 112 all out, Cheadle's Australian all rounder Sperring taking 6 for 30. The Ashton reply got off to a positive start with Harris and Gavin Wood taking early wickets. However any hope of a comeback was short lived as Nicholson (53) and Cresswell (43) came together to take Cheadle to victory.

Meanwhile Ashton 3rd X1's promotion charge suffered an unlikely setback at Hale Barnes. Batting 1st, Hale were dismissed for 145 largely thanks to the bowling of 15 year old Paul Eastham. Ashton were cruising to victory with an 80 opening stand between Andrew Roscow (51) and Fahan Shahid (33). However Ashton collapsed to 110 all out and a rare defeat.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.