IT was good news for Ashwell on Saturday, with the team completing their first match in seven weeks – and notching a win. In a hard-fought game Ashwell saw off Haslingfield with a nine run victory and consolidated their second place spot in the Cambridges

IT was good news for Ashwell on Saturday, with the team completing their first match in seven weeks - and notching a win.

In a hard-fought game Ashwell saw off Haslingfield with a nine run victory and consolidated their second place spot in the Cambridgeshire Junior Division 2.

Having won the toss, Haslingfield elected to field first and restricted Ashwell's opening batsmen to very few opportunities.

Both Martyn Deal and Tom Wallace were kept in check by the Haslingfield fielders, and although able to occupy the crease, made just 63 by the 20-over halfway point.

In attempting to pick up the tempo, Wallace fell to a catch at mid-on for 28, and Deal was eventually bowled for 59 - which was a successful follow up to his century last week.

After losing Gary Simmons cheaply, Matt Skelding (25) joined vice captain Jonathan Merrell, and they added 48 in seven overs before Skelding fell while attempting another big hit.

The scoring rate was increasing well by this point, and Gavin Donald (12 not out) and Merrell (53 not out) added an unbeaten 47 in the final four overs to lift Ashwell to 202-4.

In reply, the beginning of Haslingfield's innings was action packed, with Gavin Donald (4-49) ripping through their top order, taking four wickets in his first two overs, and twice being on a hat-trick.

Although wickets were falling, the scoring rate was good, and Haslingfield's skipper Chris Delves (53) looked dangerous.

Having been 24-4 after four overs, Haslingfield recovered well and reached the 20 over point at 82-4.

Meredew was then dismissed caught and bowled by a one-handed reflex catch from James Higham.

As overs ran out, accurate bowling from Higham (1-34) and Gary Simmons (3-40) meant that Haslingfield needed 18 from the final over.

And that became 12 from two balls, when Steve Klose (57) was caught by Rob Young.

Haslingfield closed at 193-8, leaving Ashwell relieved winners by nine runs.

Vice captain Jonathan Merrell said: "It was a really good game with a close finish.

"They bowled well and we were a little slow out of the blocks, so getting 200 was a decent score.

"Our bowling probably won it for us, and it was handy to be able to call on experienced heads like Simmons, Skelding, and Higham in the final overs.

"I was relieved to get the win, especially in the absence of skipper Tim Moynihan.

"Because of the run we've had with such a lack of activity, some of the lads hadn't played since May.

"On a personal level it was nice to get some runs and to be honest it was a bit of a slog.

"I just hope I've still got a bit of luck left for next week!"

Ashwell visit league leaders Dullingham this weekend, needing a win to keep their title hopes alive.