ASHTON-ON-Mersey produced another resilient performance to record a thrilling five-wicket win at Lindow in the TACS Partnership Cricket League Division One.

Losing the toss and being asked to field first on a damp afternoon, Ashton found it difficult to find control in slippy conditions.

Lindow attacked from the start and after a quick-fire opening partnership the innings was built on fine knocks by Chris Taylor (70) and Australian Brady Yates (45). Josh Knowles took the Ashton bowling honours with 3-48.

A target of 240 on a pitch dampened by the rain left the visitors with a huge task, which became more daunting when both openers fell with just 16 runs on the board.

But Ashton’s strength in depth shone through as James Lines led a fightback. When Lines fell for a superb 64 Paul Eastham took up the challenge. With support from Lee Brooks and Mark Weighill, Eastham guided Ashton to victory with an unbeaten 101.

When Weighill hit the winning boundary in the final over the Ashton team had preserved their unbeaten record and moved into second place in the early season table.

Next weekend Ashton face Heaton Mersey at The Beets on Saturday and travel to Northwich in the Cheshire Cup on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the second XI fell just short of a win in their game against Lindow at The Beet, but took enough points to top the table.

Ashton reached 213-6 with Lee Heap unbeaten on 61 while Ryan O’Brien added another 61. Jamie Peel was the pick of the bowlers with 3-59.

In reply, Robert Venables top-scored with 75 as Lindow reached 203-9. Ryan O’Brien took 3-39.