ASHTON on Mersey kept up the pressure on their Cheshire Cricket League Division One promotion rivals with a hard-fought six-wicket victory at Stockport Georgians.

Choosing to bowl first, Ashton’s opening attack of Josh Knowles and Andy Roscow kept things tight as the Georgians batsmen struggled to force the pace.

The experienced Hayden Bailey tried to up the tempo but the introduction of Ashton’s Australian all-rounder Ben Davies saw Bailey depart for 43.

Georgians' overseas player Matt Hunter took on the challenge to post a fluent 50.

Hunter survived a strong appeal for a catch off the glove before Davies won the antipodean battle, having Hunter caught by Alex Turner.

Some aggressive late-order hitting allowed Georgians to close on 174-7, which looked a little below par on a good batting surface.

In reply, Ashton lost early wickets against a good opening spell by Chris Dodds, but Davies showed his class with the bat to calm proceedings and establish mastery over the Georgians attack.

Batting in tandem with Lee Brooks, Davies hit a splendid 87 to turn the game in Ashton’s favour.

After Davies departed, Brooks (49 not out) and Mark Weighill saw Ashton home with overs to spare as they closed on 175-4.

This was an excellent performance from Ashton against a good Georgians side and it keeps them in the promotion hunt as they welcome Hale Barns to The Beets on Saturday.