ASHTON-on-Mersey were held to a draw on a day dominated by the bat at Lymm in Cheshire Cricket League Division One.

Being put in on a pitch which promised early life, Ashton’s openers Dave Patterson and Alex O’Gara did well to bat with common sense and watchfulness, building a solid base for what was to come.

After both openers departed, skipper James Marshall and Ed Faulkner looked to press on. As the surface began to become less threatening, the pair settled to their task with Faulkner, in particular, relishing anything loose.

Both batsmen played with fluidity to post a century partnership before Marshall fell for an excellent 52.

But Faulkner pressed on and, with good support from the Ashton middle order, he moved through the gears to record an unbeaten 122 in a formidable total of 278-5.

In reply, Lymm were soon in trouble as Josh Knowles and Craig Stow took two wickets apiece, reducing the hosts to 20-4.

But Jack Hughes and Matthew Bradshaw took the fight to Ashton with some belligerent batting.

Helped by missed chances and some wayward deliveries, Hughes and Bradshaw hit out to great effect, being particularly harsh on the Ashton spinners.

When Hughes fell for a fine 51, Ashton sniffed a chance, and late-order wickets kept the win in sight.

But Ashton could not dislodge the powerful Bradshaw who saw Lymm to the safety of a draw with an undefeated 104 as they closed on 205-8.

Ashton host Barnton at the Beets on Saturday in their next league game.

The Ashton second team also fell agonisingly short against Davenham. They made 195-7 (Tom Scott 83) before Davenham totalled 173-9.

The thirds continued their excellent start to the season with a six-wicket win against Sale. Sale made 141-7 before Ashton replied with 142-4 (Richard Vogt 65).