ASHTON-on-Mersey posted an impressive six-wicket win against Cheshire Cricket League Division One promotion rivals Port Sunlight on a blustery day at The Beets.

Winning the toss and choosing to bowl first, Ashton had to work hard in the early overs as the Port Sunlight batsmen dug in.

The early introduction of spinner Ed Faulkner and seamer Andrew Roscow saw the game swing towards the home side, as the pair began to chip away at the visitors' line-up.

With the score on 114-4 Roscow took the crucial wicket of Chris Newton for a well-crafted 48. That heralded a dramatic collapse by the visitors.

Faulkner completed his excellent spell with 4-34 and Roscow then produced a memorable burst to blow away the Port Sunlight lower order as they closed on 134.

With the wind at his back, he finished with figures of 5-25, including a hat-trick.

This was Roscow at his best, attacking the stumps and moving the ball both ways.

His return to the team this year has added invaluable experience to the Ashton line up.

In reply, Ashton had a poor start as three wickets fell for 27.

But Faulkner, in tandem with Alex O’Gara, steadied the nerves with an unbeaten 65, seeing the team home to 137-4.

Ashton will have been delighted to produce this performance at a vital stage of the season and will be looking to continue their current good form when they visit second-placed Congleton in the next league game.

The second XI were left cursing the weather as they just fell short of victory at Stockport.

Bowling the home side out for 203 (Farhan Ghous 92, Dan Higgins 3-36, Lee Heap 3-55), Ashton came within 18 runs of the target.

Isuru Perera hit an unbeaten 101 and Luke Crampton a fine 47, but rain saved the home side with Ashton having to settle for a draw.