ASHTON on Mersey secured top spot in Cheshire Cricket League Division One with a hard-fought victory over Disley at The Beets.

With Disley choosing to bat first, the Ashton bowlers soon had the visitors in trouble as Josh Knowles (1-15) and Isuru Perera (2-26) made the most of the new ball.

Disley skipper Andrew Clarke dug in to provide a classy backbone for the remaining batting, with the middle order making the most of anything loose.

But wickets fell at regular intervals, including Clarke for an excellent 71.

Ben Davies picked up 3-13 as the Disley innings folded for a below-par 148.

In reply, Ashton hit out from the start with Alex O’Gara in belligerent form, hitting six boundaries in his rapid 32.

But from a position of strength, some loose stroke-play saw the Ashton effort stutter with only Alex Turner looking comfortable.

When he went, six middle-order wickets had fallen for just 49 runs.

The batting depth and mental strength of the Ashton team was pushed to the limit as they edged towards their target.

With Mike Roberts playing an invaluable anchor role, Ashton staggered over the line, with last man Knowles hitting the winning boundary.

For Disley, Matt Wragg took the bowling honours with 7-44.

Ashton visit second-placed Romiley this weekend.

The second XI made it a maximum points on Saturday, winning at Alvenley.

Alvenley made 169 (Chris Fletcher 68 not out, Sam Gupta 4-31, Mark Weighill 4-40) before Ashton eased to 170-5 (Dave Patterson 47no, Will Pidgeon 42no).