ASHTON on Mersey’s impressive season continued with a stunning win against Cheshire Cricket League Division One title rivals Hale Barns.

Winning the toss and choosing to bowl, Ashton’s seam bowlers had a field day as they ripped through the Hale batting.

A controlled opening spell from Andy Roscow and Josh Knowles (3-19) saw the Hale innings stutter as runs dried up and early wickets fell.

Any thoughts the change in bowling would provide respite was shattered as the fiery Jamie Wilmshurst (4-18) and the controlled Dan Higgins (3-33) broke the back of the Hale effort.

Some late hitting from Jordan Collins (33) could not rescue the Hale cause as they were bowled out for a below-par 108.

In reply, Ashton were never in trouble as Ben Davies (55 not out) and James Lines (38no) saw Ashton cruise over the line with 17 overs to spare.

This was Ashton at their most dominant and they will be looking to continue to press their promotion credentials when they welcome Poynton to the Beets on Saturday.

The second XI fared less well, losing to league leaders Widnes.

Widnes made 265-7 (Mike Byrne 132no) before Ashton totalled 199 (Sam Gupta 62, Joe McCurdy 4-61).