With only two games left the season is rapidly nearing its conclusion – and for Ashton followers it won’t be a day too soon.

Once again the weekend’s fixtures saw the Rayner Lane side defeated, and as on so many occasions, their inability to build a competitive total was the problem.

Taking first knock on the visit to Middleton, in a contest reduced following the morning rain, Ashton limped to 109 all out, with only Siraj Kadodia, (44),and to a lesser extent Imran Yousaf, (21), really posing a threat to the Towncroft side.

Facing a side which already has the Wood Cup and Twenty20 trophies under its belt, this total posed little problem for the home team who secured maximum points with a reply of 110-5.

The following day, a rain interrupted afternoon saw Ashton facing a Radcliffe side who compiled 204-6 when batting first.

Further Sunday showers meant they had to chase a revised target of 169 from 36 overs.

The fall of early wickets rendered this improbable.

However, Jamil Khalil and Kamram Yousaf (35no) in a fine partnership raised hopes of a victory but the departure of Khalil for a useful 38 then saw Ashton subside to 121 al out.

The bad news also continued for the club’s Under-15 XI which narrowly missed out on the league title.

They saw Milnrow snatch the honours with an over remaining of their play-off match.

Tweet