WITH all the men's matches being lost to the rain on Saturday, it was left to the women’s XI to fly the flag in style for Ashton-on-Mersey with a 17-run victory over Oxton at The Beets.

Being asked to bat first, Ashton struggled in the opening overs against a tight Oxton attack.

But when Becky Baldock joined Beth Caunce at the crease, the home side stabilised and they posted a partnership which would eventually decide the game.

Both players batted well before Caunce fell for 24 and Baldock for 31.

But Ashton skipper Amanda Gettins kept the runs flowing before unluckily being dismissed hitting her own wicket.

The final Ashton total of 130-6 off 35 overs was a good effort in challenging conditions.

In reply, the Oxton innings got off to a disastrous start as the top three batters fell cheaply, thanks to a smart run out by Olivia Teasdale and a wicket apiece for Gettins and Sarah Sutcliffe.

Hopes of an Oxton revival rested on Renshaw, who threatened to grab the game back for the visitors before Sutcliffe removed her for 26.

Oxton continued to press for victory but Ashton kept their heads and thanks to some tight bowling they ran out winners by an ultimately comfortable 17 runs as their opponents closed on 113-8.

This was an excellent start to the women's season and Ashton will be looking to building on this positive result when they visit Wistaston Village in the next round of matches.