ASHTON-on-Mersey fell to an eight-wicket defeat on a baking hot day at Kingsley, where the bat dominated proceedings.

With both teams agreeing an early start in the light of England’s quarter-final in the World Cup, a 9.15am start saw some bleary eyes at the toss.

Kingsley called correctly and decided to bowl.

Ashton openers Mike Roberts and Lee Brooks started steadily, with Roberts (40) in particularly fine form, punishing anything loose.

The Ashton middle order kept up the run rate, with Tom Scott continuing his splendid season with a well-crafted 60. But the loss of wickets at crucial times, sometimes to one big shot too many, allowed Kingsley’s bowlers to peg back the Ashton effort.

The final total of 214-8 was a little below-par given the fine batting surface produced by the home club at their picturesque ground.

In reply, Kingsley struggled at the start, with both their openers back in the pavilion with the score on 37.

But from then on the match became the story of toiling bowlers and splendid batting as the midday sun saw off the energy of Ashton’s efforts.

Kingsley Warman and Hayden Lanza produced a batting masterclass to post an unbeaten partnership of 178 to take the home side to their target of 215-2 with seven overs to spare.

Lanza played well for his 78, but Warman took the honours with an unbeaten 104.

Ashton will be hoping for better fortunes when they welcome Disley to the Beets for the next league game.

The Ashton second team produced a fine performance to claim victory against Alvanley.

Bowling the visitors out for 203, Ashton were indebted to an excellent 100 from Isuru Perera who led them to a six-wicket win in just 31 overs.