ASHTON-on-Mersey slumped to a disappointing three-wicket defeat against Cheshire Cricket League Division One promotion rivals Runcorn at The Beets last weekend.

Choosing to bat first on a green-tinged track was a brave decision by Ashton and the loss of early wickets did not help the cause.

The Runcorn opening attack of Jordan Grobbelaar (3-32) and Dan Booth (1-26) bowled well to exploit the conditions.

While there were contributions from most of the home batsmen, the Ashton effort stuttered as players got in, only to perish before capitalising on their efforts.

Josh Coleridge and Lee Brooks looked to be turning the game before both fell in the 30s as Ashton were bowled out for a below-par 171.

In reply, Runcorn found the Ashton bowling equally challenging and, with Craig Stow taking early wickets, the game became a tight contest.

With Andy Roscow (3-23) in fine form with the ball the visitors had to battle hard to progress.

But with the middle-order led by Will Magee (41), Runcorn brought the target in sight and the winning runs came in the penultimate over as they closed on 175-7.

Ashton will be disappointed their normally fluent batting line-up fell short of setting a target that would have tested the opposition more than they did.

They will be looking forward to the short trip to Hale Barns next week as an opportunity to put things right.

The second XI had a far better day as they brought back a comprehensive win from their trip to Northwich.

Bowling the hosts out for 79 (Mark Weighill 3-5) they knocked off the runs for the loss of one wicket (Akash Patel 52 not out).