ASHTON-on-Mersey continued their fine recent form in Cheshire Cricket League Division One with an impressive victory at Barnton.

On a day when many thoughts were with those affected by the events in Manchester, the players delayed the start to observe a minute’s silence before the game.

Once under way, Barnton’s decision to bat first was soon called into question by a superb opening spell by Ben Johnson, whose brand of seam and swing reduced the home team to a desperate 45-6.

Johnson (4-26) was ably supported by Andy Roscow (2-28) as the Barton effort teetered on the brink.

But Aussie import Dan Gilbert came to the rescue to restore some respectability to the score.

Gilbert hit out with intent to post a fine unbeaten 70, as his team-mates did what they could to provide support.

But the Barnton tail found Ashton’s Dan Higgins no easier to face than the other seamers, as he took 3-30 to restrict the home team’s efforts to a below-par 174-9.

In reply, Ashton’s strong batting line-up was tested by the pace of Gilbert but took full advantage of the odd loose ball to make steady progress.

Batting honours once again went to Fred Kamstra, who posted a classy 60, ably supported by skipper Lee Brooks (30) in the match-winning partnership.

With both Kamstra and Brooks departing with victory in sight, the feisty Barton team saw their efforts come to nothing as Johnson smashed 16 off only four balls to win the game with more than 10 overs to spare as Ashton posted 177-5.

The second XI had a far harder time in their match against Sale at The Beets.

Ashton made 178 all out (Zikria Nadeem 6-44) but lost to Sale 184-4 (Jamal Benzafar 50 not out, Grant Whittaker 50no).