ASHTON-on-Mersey recorded an ultimately comfortable win at the Beets against struggling Weaverham, to move into second place in Cheshire Cricket League Division One.

With Weaverham winning the toss and choosing to bat, Ashton looked a little lethargic in the early overs with some uncharacteristic fielding errors allowing the visitors to get their innings off to a steady start.

But Ashton switched the bowling to good effect as seamers Henry Bleaze and Matt Bradshaw rotated the overs with spinners Peter Hatzoglou and Ed Faulkner to eventually establish a grip on the innings.

Weaverham’s Ryan Simm looked to give the batting effort some momentum but the introduction of the experienced Lee Heap accounted for Simm, and the innings fell away to a below par total of 145.

Faulkner once again recorded the best figures with 5-46.

In reply, Ashton suffered some early jitters as the top of the order went cheaply, leaving the home side on 21-3.

But Hatzoglou and Mark Weighill played sensibly to post a 50-run partnership which turned the game decisively in Ashton’s favour.

Weighill played the key innings, batting with maturity to stay to the end with an unbeaten 40, while Faulkner provided some big-hitting entertainment at the end as Ashton totalled 148-5.

The second team made it a maximum points Saturday as they delivered a fine win at Bollington.

Bollington made 175-6 (Rick Paterson 68) before Ashton reached 179-3 (James Newton 73 not out).

The third XI lost a tight contest at Macclesfield as they posted 171 before the home team fought hard to get the win with three wickets in hand.

The excellent Ashton ladies XI maintained their table-topping form with a dominant performance against Wistaston Village.

Ashton posted 216-4 with Claire Anderton carrying her bat for 97no.

In reply, Wistaston had no answer to the probing Ashton bowlers, falling to 68 all out.