At Ashton on Mersey – “The Beets” (From Messenger Newspapers)

Ashton-on-Mersey CC - 2nd XI 90 – 6 beat Romiley CC - 2nd XI 86 all out

6:58pm Monday 23rd April 2012 in Sport

ASHTON on Mersey 2nd XI recorded a hard fought opening day victory against newly promoted Romiley 2nds.

With Ashton on Mersey’s 1st team game at Prestbury being abandoned without a ball being bowled, it was left to new 2nd team captain, Lee Heap, to lead the club in its first league match of the 2012 season.

After losing the toss, Romiley were invited to bat first on a damp pitch. Ashton’s bowlers were in early control with Rob Hedge (2-21) and Joel Harris (0-26) stunting the visitors early progress.

Chris Coupes and Tom Roberts battled hard for Romiley but the introduction of change bowlers Alex O’Gara (3-21) and captain Lee Heap (4-16), saw Romiley bowled out for 86 inside 30 overs.

In reply, Ashton’s batsmen found the conditions just as difficult, slumping to 14 -3 thanks to an excellent opening spell from J Wollom (3-15).

But important and resilient contributions from Alex O’Gara (28*), Steve Barrow (22) and Joel Harris (12) gave Ashton the win in the 40th over.

Ashton pocket 20 points for the win.