ASHTON-on-Mersey strengthened their lead at the top of the TACS Cheshire Cricket League Division One with a thrilling victory over Hale Barns.

Choosing to bat first on a green track, Ashton struggled in the early overs as the home attack used the conditions to their advantage.

But excellent contributions by James Lines (55) and Alex Turner (45) turned the game in Ashton’s favour.

With a soft outfield meaning every run had to be hard fought for, the Ashton lower order battled to build a defendable score.

Sam Timbs and Mike Roberts helped Ashton post 171 which proved to be a challenging total given the conditions. Hasnain Malik (4-27) and Jack Wylie (3-54) took the bowling honours.

In reply, Hale Barns struggled to cope with an excellent opening spell from Timbs and Dan Higgins as the first three wickets fell for just 23.

Shehan Fernando (45) and Will Munday (30) rebuilt the innings before both fell to the spin of Roberts, who finished with figures of 3-37.

The home side still had hopes of a draw until the introduction of Mark Weighill who destroyed the Hale Barnes lower order with a match winning 3-7 in just three overs. Ashton secured the win with three overs to spare.

Ashton will be looking to maintain their top of the table position in next week’s game against Stockport Geoargians at The Beets.

The Ashton second team could not match the first team's performance as they crashed to an 8 wicket defeat against the Hale Barns 2nd XI.

Ashton 112 all out (Adam Payne 5-29) Hale Barns 113-2 (Khawar Iqbal 73).