ASHTON-on-Mersey had a mixed weekend as they recorded a comfortable win in Cheshire Cricket League Division One, but fell to defeat in the final of the Cheshire Shield.

Saturday's league clash with Barnton at The Beets saw Ashton restrict the visitors to 171-4, with Callum Doyle providing the backbone of the innings with a measured 65.

Some good fielding from the Ashton team kept a lid on the scoring rate, which was a fine effort, given the excellent batting track for the game.

In reply, the Ashton top order played a sensible and mature game, with Tom Scott and Lee Brooks both being unlucky to fall in the 40s.

Any hint of a Barnton threat was snuffed out by Alex O’Gara, who slapped a quickfire 25 not out to win the game with overs to spare as Ashton ended on 173-5.

On Sunday, the Cheshire Shield final saw Ashton visit County League high-flyers Romiley.

Choosing to bowl first Ashton did well to restrict the home side in the first half of their innings, reducing them to 60-4 off 20 overs.

But a fine second-half batting effort saw the hosts throw bat at ball to great effect in the final overs, allowing them to post a challenging target of 226.

Ashton got off to the worst start, losing a wicket in the first ball of their innings.

Brooks and Dave Patterson began to rebuild the innings but once the Ashton batsmen tried to accelerate, they found lady luck against them as wickets tumbled.

Brooks finally fell for 42 and it was left to Andy Roscow and Mike Roberts to entertain the crowd with some fine shot-making before Ashton fell to 120 all out.

Ashton will be disappointed with the result but they will take pride in reaching both the Shield and the forthcoming T20 finals in what has been a challenging year.

The Ashton second XI lost at Sale. They made 181-8 (Sam Gupta 42) before Sale reached 182-3 (Jamal Benzafar 71, Siyan Siraj 66 not out).

The thirds also lost at Timperley – Ashton 134 all out, Timperley 135-6.

The ladies' team are hosting a free women and girls' cricket night at The Beets from 6-8pm on Friday, September 8.

For information contact aomclub@hotmail.co.uk or call 0161 969 9507.