ASHTON-on-Mersey kept their promotion hopes alive with a comprehensive 92-run win over Stockport Georgians at Cromley Road.

Choosing to bat first Ashton’s powerful line up found a welcome return to form. James Lines (68) and Paul Eastham (67) attacked without being reckless and with the rest of the team keeping up the run rate Ashton will have been well satisfied to post 250 off their 45 overs.

Some excellent out-cricket from a young Georgians side and some good spin bowling from Iffikar Hussain (3-53) and Oliver Ormerod (2-49) were the highlights for the home side.

In reply, Georgians struggled to come to terms with an on-song Ashton bowling line up. Sam Timbs (3-42) was again a constant threat with only Matt Hunter threatening to pose a challenge to the target.

When Hunter fell to Mike Roberts for 56 the crucial breakthrough had been made and with Roberts (3-30) bowling in tandem with young Ryan O’Brien (2-25) the match was won in the 38th over.

This was an excellent performance from Ashton and they will be looking to put more pressure on their promotion rivals next week when they host Malpas.

The second XI made it a double over Georgians in a low scoring affair at The Beets. Ashton 95 all out (Rizwan Jameel 5-21, Chris Johnson 5-25) beat Stockport Georgians 70 all out (Lee Heap 5-31, Sam Gupta 3-11).