ASHTON-on-Mersey women's cricket team slumped to an eight-wicket defeat against Stockport Trinity women in the Cheshire Women’s Cricket League.

With all the men's matches falling foul of the wet weather, the focus was on the women but they struggled to come to terms with a tricky batting surface.

Despite some valiant resistance through the order, Ashton found no answers to a fine Trinity attack who exploited the helpful conditions to maximum effect.

Ashton did not help their own cause with some run-out confusions, and they were disappointed to only post a sub-par 53 all out, Katy Hart (4-10) the pick of the Trinity bowling.

In reply, Ashton were boosted by a fine bowling debut by teenage star Maria Kerrison who posed numerous problems for the experienced Trinity openers.

But luck was against Ashton and Trinity took the victory as Jennie Kitzinger saw them home to 54-2 with a well-crafted 28.

The women will be looking to kickstart their season this week when they welcome Didsbury to the Beets.