Cheshire Cup Cricket (From Messenger Newspapers)

Ashton-on-Mersey CC – 1st XI 70 all out lost to Elworth CC – 1st XI – 71-1

7:11pm Monday 21st May 2012 in Sport

A WEAKENED Ashton on Mersey side went out of the Cheshire Cup in the first round, losing away at Elworth on Sunday (May 20).

Batting first Ashton on Mersey looked comfortable in the early overs against the opening pace attack, with Mark Duncan striking the ball well.

But the Elworth change bowlers turned the match decisively in the home side’s favour, first by slowing the run rate and then by taking three quick wickets as the Ashton on Mersey batsmen attempted to quicken the scoring tempo.

With many of the regular first team squad unavailable the side was unable to repeat the batting resilience of the past few weeks and the side slumped to 70 all out.

In reply a tight opening spell from Ashton bowlers Alex Hewet and Joel Harris made the Elworth batsman work hard for their runs, but the low total was never going to pose a serious threat to an Elworth victory which came for the loss of one wicket.

Ashton on Mersey return to League action next week at home to Northwich.