ASHTON-on-Mersey put in another excellent performance against early Cheshire Cricket League Division One leaders Haslington, but lady luck once again deserted them as the home side hung on for a draw.

Being invited to bat first on a pitch which promised early life for the seamers, Ashton responded in fine style with James Marshall leading a classy batting display.

With a two-paced surface hindering a more expansive approach, Marshall built his innings with caution.

While being watchful against a good bowling attack, the Ashton opener put away anything loose.

When he went for a splendid 82, the Ashton middle order chipped in with valuable contributions to ensure maximum batting points and a competitive total of 192-6. Ben Istead took the bowling honours with 3-38.

In reply, the home team's batsmen looked uncomfortable against the pace of Ashton’s Craig Stow (3-46), and found no respite when facing the attacking medium pace of Ben Johnson (2-28) and Josh Knowles (2-8).

Wickets fell regularly, and when the ninth victim was taken with seven overs left, there were high hopes of an Ashton victory.

But Ben Pilkingon and Peter Davies showed great backbone and rode their luck to reach 123-9 and see out the game.

Ashton were frustrated with the result but could take pride from a fine performance which they will look to match this weekend when they welcome Middlewich to The Beets.

Meanwhile, Ashton’s second team outplayed Cheadle Hulme to win by 102 runs.

Ashton scored 205-6 (Mark Weighill 72, James Newton 71) while Cheadle Hulme were 103 all out (Lee Heap 5-21, Mark Weighill 4-29).