A RECORD-breaking bowling display by Ashton on Mersey’s Jamie Wilmshurst saw visitors Irby destroyed on a remarkable day at The Beets.

Choosing to bat first in the Cheshire Cricket League Division One clash, Irby looked comfortable in the early overs, moving to 50 without loss.

But the introduction of spinner Mike Roberts (2-21) produced the breakthrough before Wilmshurst began his demolition job.

Bowling with pace and intelligence, Wilmshurst set challenges the Irby batting could not cope with as wickets tumbled. He recorded remarkable figures of 7-5, with 11 maidens in his 13 overs as Irby crashed to 80 all out.

Eight of the Irby wickets were cleaned bowled and there were five ducks in the visitors' innings.

Wilmshurst’s return was the best Ashton first-team league bowling figures for more than 10 years and the best ever for the club in the top division.

In reply, Ashton cruised to an eight-wicket victory with the classy Alex Turner (38 not out) being the batting pick.

The result sees Ashton maintain their promotion push ahead of their next match at Stockport Georgians.

The Ashton second XI made it a maximum-points Saturday as they also posted an eight-wicket victory at Congleton. Congleton ended on 90 all out (Luke Turner 5-31, Lee Heap 3-15) before Ashton reached 93-2 (Matt Rhind 38).