ASHTON on Mersey's Little Ees Lane pitch was under water last Saturday meaning the abandonment of their first XI clash with local rivals Bowdon Vale.

With most of the league playing however, it meant the top four sides extended the gap between themselves and 5th placed Ashton.

With only 3 games to go it now seems unlikely Mark Timms' side can claw back the points to haul themselves into the top 2 promotion places.

The localised showers had however missed Vicarage Lane where the second XI clash between the same clubs survived the weather.

It turned out to be a fairly one sided affair, Chris Fox's Ashton team blasting their way to victory in only 18 overs, after Bowdon Vale had earlier set a total of 135.

Hard hitting Sean Bonnes was primarily responsible for the quick finish. Batting number 3, Bonnes blasted 90 not out including 6 sixes from consecutive deliveries to bring the crowd to their feet, well supported by Steve Eastham playing an anchor role at the other end.

The collapse of the season by Toft handed Ashton's 3rd XI victory on Sunday. The Little Ees Lane pitch had dried nicely overnight as Toft reached 132 for 1 off 30 overs they seemed set for a huge score. 15 minutes later however Toft found themselves 145 all out.

The consistent Gary Lomax was the key to the transformation taking 6 for 10, stand in captain Azad Rizvi cleaning up the tail with 2 for 3.

In reply Ian Walsh with 65 not out steered Ashton to a 5 wicket victory and with 1 game to go promotion is still a possibility for the 4th placed 3rd XI.