A maiden century by Ashton on Mersey captain Alex Turner was not enough to force a win against newly promoted Winnington Park.

Ashton on Mersey were invited to bat on a pitch which promised help to the bowlers and the home side struggled in the early overs thanks to an aggressive opening spell by young Australian Matt Alexander.

Turner who had started cautiously in response to the conditions, was joined by Shanaka, as the pair saw off the opening attack and then increased the tempo against the Winnington Park change bowling.

Turner and Shananka turned the match around with a partnership of 119 before Shananka departed for an excellent 49. Lee Brooks helped Turner maintain the momentum scoring a quick fire 32, but it was Turner who stole the show, hitting a 6 of the penultimate ball of the innings before scampering a couple off the final ball to finish on 100 not out to take Ashton to a commanding total of 225-4 at the interval. The promising Matt Alexander was rewarded with figures of 3-58.

In reply Winnington Park were positive from the start, with contributions from Greg McKeown (23) Jonny Wales (28) and captain Mike Johns (24) combating the home bowling attack led by Hewet and Joel Harris.

Wickets fell regularly and at 85-5 the home side had strong hopes of forcing a win, but an excellent counter attacking 53 off 37 balls by Pete Evans helped Winnington Park survive, finishing 51 runs short of their target. Dan Higgins (3-49) and Alex Hewet (2-36) were the leading wicket-takers.

Ashton on Mersey take 16 points from the game, putting them in equal 4th place in the table ahead of next week’s visit to Hale Barns.

Meanwhile the 2nd XI won a low scoring game at Barnton by 3 wickets. Barnton were shot out for 108, with captain Lee Heap 6-26 and Chris Fox 3-15 causing most damage. In reply, Ashton’s Lee Griffiths continued his fine run of form with the bat, scoring 55 not out and taking Ashton into 2nd place in the Division A league table.

Follow all the live score updates on Twitter and Facebook.

Completion was always going to be a challenge for the novice runners, but the task was made even harder in freezing conditions, combined with driving rain, hail and a route which at times resembled a mud bath.

Nonetheless, the desire and determination to complete the 26.2 mile course was never in doubt, knowing that the money raised by completing the run would go directly to the Junior Cricketers at Ashton on Mersey.

Steve completed the course in an excellent time of 3:28, whilst Jody and Mark crossed the line together in 5:26.

And there is still time to donate by following this link http://www.justgiving.com/aomccmarathon

Importantly this year , renewal fee’s are being requested as a 50% subscription and 50% DONATION from our members. By paying in this way the club are able to claim GIFT AID on 50% of the total paid.

Current members can pay their membership by clicking this link – Current Member Renewal

Seniors

Ashton on Mersey is a successful and well organised club based in the South of Manchester. We have great facilities and young Senior Section. Both our 1st and 2nd teams have had recent success and we have real ambitions for greater success in 2012. We operate 3 senior league sides in the Cheshire Cricket Leagues and 1 senior side in the local midweek T20 league. We are looking for players at all levels for 2012, but particularly players of appropriate standard to increase our pool of players.

Wednesday – 1st team training from 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Thursday – Senior training from 6.30pm – 8.30pm (with the U15 and U18 players)
Saturday – 1st team and 2nd team matches from Noon
Sunday – 3rd team and Social team matches from Noon

Juniors

The 2012 Junior Nets programme will begin on Monday 16 April, to generate the necessary excitement and committment for the new season. Our fully qualified ECB coaches will be delivering high quality sessions, every week, whatever the weather! A cost of £3 per person will be requested on arrival.

Monday – U9; U11 and U13 training from 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Tuesday – U18 matches from 5.00pm
Thursday – U15 and U18 training from 6.30pm – 8.30pm (with the Senior players)
Friday – U13 matches from 5.00pm
Sunday - U11 and U15 matches from 9.00am

Current juniors and new juniors are welcome to attend at the appropriate times listed above.

Saturday 28 January – Quiz Night

Saturday 31 March – Cricket Team Building Event

Friday 13 April – Comedy Sportz Event

Sunday 29 April – Greater Manchester Mararthon

Monday 4 June – Bank Holiday Cricket Trios and Jubilee Celebrations

Saturday 7 July – Club BBQ

Friday 27 July – Summer Ball (TBC)

Thursday 6 September – Junior Presentation Evening

Saturday 22 September – Presidents Day

Friday 19 October – End of Season Cricket League Dinner

Saturday 6 November – Bonfire Night

Friday 7 December – Strictly Social Darts

Sunday 16 December – Children’s Christmas Party

As we progress into the 2012 Olympic Year, it’s the perfect opportunity to be an established partner linked with our club.

There are many sponsorship opportunities and even greater benefits that you can receive if you become a commercial partner. These include; Corporate Membership, Ground Advertising, Senior/Junior/Player Cricket Sponsorship, Match Ball Sponsorship, plus many more options. Click here to view the 2012 Sponsor Pack options.

Click on the Sponsorship link to see which companies have already become a partner of Ashton on Mersey CTC.

To discuss any of these options in more detail, please click on the ‘Contact’ link.