WITH rain claiming the clash of the first team at The Beets, Ashton on Mersey’s attention turned to the second string side's contest at Poynton.

The home side’s decision to bat first looked a questionable one as Lee Heap (3-39) and Matt Rhind (2-37) made early inroads into the Poynton lineup.

But the support bowling found it more difficult to contain the Poynton middle order and half centuries from Mark Fletcher and Rob Bowden saw the hosts through to a useful 193 off their 45 overs.

Despite the Ashton reply being limited to 37 overs by the rain that blighted the day, the visitors put up a spirited chase.

Rhind added to his excellent bowling figures by smashing 67, having been promoted to open, and Connor Kelly hit out to keep the run chase on track with 39.

But as wickets fell, the target fell tantalizingly out of reach. Despite skipper Heap’s unbeaten 36, Ashton ran out of overs with seven runs needed for victory. Andy Hadfield took the bowling honours with 4-27.

Ashton’s performance demonstrated the strength in depth that they can command this season.

Having lost this week’s fixture to the weather, next week’s first team clash at Prestbury will be vital in keeping Ashton in the promotion hunt.