ASHTON-on-Mersey first XI got their Cheshire League Division One campaign off to a sparkling start with a 51-run win against newly-promoted Kingsley.

Being asked to bat first Ashton started confidently with Alex O’Gara setting the tone with an attacking 40.

On a pitch which gave a fair contest between bat and ball, Kingsley fought back, removing O’Gara and captain James Marshall with consecutive balls.

New signing Ed Faulkner steadied the ship with a fluent 39, but when he fell playing one shot too many, Ashton wobbled with the loss of two further wickets in short time.

But Lee Brooks and Mike Roberts maturely saw Ashton build towards a respectable total, before Josh Knowles unleashed a powerful display of hitting to allow Ashton to finish on an above-par 184-9.

In reply, Kingsley grafted hard against the excellent new-ball attack of Craig Stow and Knowles, before Faulkner took centre stage with some impressive spin bowling.

Taking a wicket with his first delivery, Faulkner rattled through the middle order, to record a debut 5-42.

With Ben Johnson showing all his skills to remove the tail, Ashton wrapped up the victory with seven overs to spare as Kingsley closed on 133 all out.

This was a fine team performance which Ashton will look to repeat next week when they travel to Disley.

The second XI fared less well against a strong Alvanley side who made 193-8 (Connor Kearney 4-37) and beat Ashton (83 all out).

The women’s team also came up short against the impressive Chester Boughton Hall, making 75-5 before Chester reached 76-1.