Meller Braggins Cheshire Cricket League - Division 1 (From Messenger Newspapers)

Ashton-on-Mersey CC – 1st XI 166-7 beat Davenham CC – 1st XI – 90 all out

2:00pm Tuesday 8th May 2012 in Sport

A FINE all round display by Australian Alex Hewit led Ashton on Mersey 1st XI to an emphatic 76 run win over Oakmere.

Having lost the toss Ashton on Mersey were invited to bat on a pitch which allowed shots to be played whilst always offering something to the bowlers. A steady start by Mark Timms and Josh Ardron was interrupted by opening bowler Sam Catling who had Ardron caught behind and then bowled Ashton’s stand-in captain Alex Turner for 0 in the same over.

This brought Alex Hewit to the crease who started cautiously but was soon striking the ball with authority. When Timms was trapped lbw by the ever reliable Mike Cushion for 16, Anthony Roscow joined Hewit as Ashton looked to increase the tempo. Roscow’s promising innings was cut short in cruel fashion when he was run out backing up for just 13.

Lee Brooks joined Hewit and together the Ashton pair continued to press home the advantage, assisted by an injury to Catling had to be removed from the attack. Hewit eventually went for an excellent 65 with Brooks being bowled shortly after for a well made 25. It was left to debutant Jaan Shanaka (25) to carry the total up to 166 -7 after 45 overs.

Oakmere’s batting was under pressure from the start with Ashton on Mersey’s Hewit and Joel Harris finding a probing line Hewit bowled excellently to reduce the hosts to 23-3 before Ian Eaton tried to steady the innings. Eaton made 19 before becoming the first of Matt Lee’s 3 wickets. Despite a fighting last wicket partnership of 30 between Jon Owen and the injured Sam Catling, Oakmere were bowled out for 90. Man of the match Hewit finished with figures of 6-28.

Ashton on Mersey pocketed a maximum 25pts to move them to 5th in the early season table.

Ashton on Mersey 2nd XI completed the double over Oakmere with a 6 wkt win at the Beets, Mark Samaru 58 not out, Lee Griffiths 47, Lee Heap 3-28.