ASHTON’S hopes of reaching this year’s Wood Cup final ended with a heartbreaking semi-final loss against Monton and Weaste on Sunday.

They were undone by Indian overseas amateur Gaurav Sharma who struck a six from the last ball with his side requiring two runs for victory.

Ashton batted first and made 210, based around an innings of 99 from their Sri Lankan professional Ian Daniel.

However, his dismissal sparked a batting collapse which saw Ashton crumble from 204-3 in the final five overs.

Jon Selby (31) and Jason Mellor (19) had provided a half-century opening partnership for Ashton before Kieran O’Connor (21) offered the main support to Daniel in a stand of 60.

Ashton were given just as much hope at the start of their opponents’ reply as O’Connor accounted for both Lee Dale and Chris Duxbury.

Paul White then took three wickets to leave Monton in real trouble on 126-5.

They were left requiring 30 runs from the final three overs, but Sharma – who had been allowed a runner following a self-diagnosed bout of cramp – strolled from square leg to be Monton’s hero for the day.

With two runs required from the final ball, he cleared the boundary to win the game and leave Ashton devastated as chances to appear in a Wood Cup final will not come much better.