ASHTON-on-Mersey crashed to a home 13-run defeat against Hale Barns on a disappointing day at The Beets in the TACS Cheshire Cricket League Division A.

With the visitors choosing to bat first, Ashton produced some sloppy cricket to allow chances to go begging in the first 10 overs.

Chris Colley took full advantage to hit a bright 40 before Josh Knowles (3-32) brought the game back into Ashton’s hands with some fine pace bowling.

With Dan Higgins (3-34) and Mike Roberts tying up the middle order Ashton were well set to restrict the target.

But with Charlie Williams (44) attacking the returning opening bowlers Hale Barns finished on a respectable 183.

With Ashton’s powerful batting line up the total should have been within reach on a good batting surface.

But the lack of application that has dogged Ashton at times this season once again was in evidence as no one took control of the reply.

Only young Ryan O’Brien showed the level of concentration needed, carrying his bat for 67 not out as his teammates capitulated to the slow bowling of veteran Dave Saddington (4-38) and Callum Schora (4-51)

This was a poor day for Ashton, being out-caught, out-thought and out played by a side far below them in the table.

The result makes promotion an outside bet and pride will need to be restored in next week’s visit to Stockport Georgians.