ASHTON-on-Mersey stormed to an emphatic win against struggling Middlewich in Cheshire Cricket League Division One on a rain-shortened day at The Beets.

Middlewich’s decision to bat first was soon tested as they lost three early wickets to a rampant Ashton opening attack, Craig Stow’s pace proving particularly difficult for the visitors.

But with Nick Gill leading a fine counter attack, Middlewich came back into the game.

Gill played an excellent attacking innings which threatened to seize the initiative, before the introduction of spinners Dave Corps (2-17) and Mike Roberts (2-42) swung the game back in Ashton’s favour.

Roberts accounted for Gill for a splendid 56 and the innings closed with Middlewich posting maximum batting points in a total of 141-8.

In reply, Ashton attacked from the start. Shrugging off the early loss of Alex O’Gara, skipper Lee Brooks and Fred Kamstra gave a batting masterclass as the Middlewich bowlers floundered.

Kamstra was in fluent form, stroking the ball across the turf to race to 50. Brooks was the more watchful but put anything loose away with aplomb.

An unbeaten partnership of 127 saw the home side through to 144-1 and a nine-wicket win, with Kamstra finishing on 77 and Brooks on 55.

The result was deserved reward for the continued excellent form of the Ashton team, who will travel to Barton this weekend looking to extend their unbeaten run.

There was more joy for Ashton in the second XI game between the clubs. Ashton totalled 169-8 (Dave Patterson 40, James Newton 40, Andrew Davies 4-50) before Middlewich were all out for 56 (Mark Weighill 6-9).