ASHTON on Mersey continued their excellent start to the season with an eight wicket win over Romiley.

In a match sponsored by The Old Plough pub in Ashton on Mersey Village, the visitors opted to bat first but the loss of Romiley skipper Rick Holt without a run on the board signalled the start of a fine Ashton bowling performance.

Romiley were reduced to 31-3 before excellent support bowling strangled the middle order. Only David Badrock with a fighting 49 came to terms with the task.

Dan Embleton (4/29) came on to finish off the lower order as Romiley were bowled out for 127.

In reply the Ashton openers of Graeme Thomason and Pratik Kumar gave Ashton a flying start before both perished to ambitious shots.

Lee Brooks (38 not out) and Alex O’Gara (33 not out) finished off the job within 30 overs.

Ashton will be looking to continue their winning start to the season when they welcome Prestbury on Saturday.

There was more good news for Ashton as their 2nd XI chased down 168 to win at Romiley with two balls to spare. Matt Milward’s 44 and an unbeaten 40 from Mark Robinson led Ashton to a famous victory.