ASHTON-on-Mersey maintained their lead of the TACS Cheshire Cricket League Division One with an ultimately comfortable 36-run victory over Romiley at The Beets.

Opting to make first use of a good batting track, Ashton produced a fine team effort to ensure they posted a competitive score in drizzly conditions.

Tom Scott led the way with a classy 63, as the home team pushed on to an early declaration, prompted by the loss of several overs in the weather.

Bowling honours went to the indefatigable Alex Barber who ploughed through 20 overs to record 3-83, with Paul Garner (3-38) picking up wickets as Ashton pushed for quick runs ahead of the declaration.

Romiley fought hard in reply, despite another excellent bowling performance by Ashton’s Sam Timbs. Timbs was a constant threat to the batsmen, with only Rugved Insulkar (63) finding a way to combat his swing and seam.

But once Insulkar went, the fine Romiley effort fell short as Timbs (7-72) and spinner Mike Roberts (3-59) brought home a 36 run win.

Ashton have a mouth-watering clash with 2nd placed Barrow next weekend to decide who tops the table at the half way stage.

The Ashton 2nd XI had a poor day at Romiley, losing by 103 runs. Romiley 206-8 (Tom Roberts 67, Robert Taylor 57, Lee Heap 3-41) Ashton 103 all out (Paul Hooton 3-14, Nick Fithon 3-19)