Meller Braggins Cheshire Cricket League - Division A. At Ashton on Mersey – “The Beets” (From Messenger Newspapers)

Ashton-on-Mersey CC – 1st XI 73 all out lost to Davenham CC – 1st XI – 133-9 dec

2:28pm Tuesday 1st May 2012 in Sport

ASHTON on Mersey 1st XI lost their first home game of the 2012 season going down to a strong Davenham side.

Davenham were invited to bat after losing the toss and struggled early in their innings on a pitch which tested both temperament and technique. Accurate opening spells by Alex Hewit and Dan Higgins saw the visitors reduced to 12-2 before a 50 partnership between Davenham skipper Mark Greaves and Paul Jackson put the Visitors back on track.

After Greaves departed for an excellent 52, Jackson (25) and Chris Hornby (22) managed to take the Davenham score above 100 before the Ashton change bowlers worked their way through the lower order. Davenham closed on 133-9 after 45 overs, with Josh Ardron finishing with figures of 4-32.

In reply Ashton lost early wickets on a pitch which became no easier as the day went on.

Opening bowler Rob Massey removed three of the top four Ashton on Mersey batsmen, including skipper Steve Hart, leaving the home side struggling at 22-4.

A middle order revival was engineered by Anthony Roscow (28) and Alex Hewit (20) before both were dismissed by the impressive Dean Jackson, the latter to an excellent leg side stumping.

Jackson continued to use the conditions to full advantage as the lower order Ashton batting failed to find answers to the problems posed. Ashton were finally bowled out for 73 with Jackson taking 7 for 22.

Ashton take 5 points from the game and will be looking to bounce back next week when they visit Oakmere.

The Ashton on Mersey 2nd XI fixture at Davenham was cancelled due to a waterlogged ground.