A TOP-order batting collapse put paid to Ashwell s chances against league leaders Great Shelford. Ashwell lost by nine wickets, and although they were without several regular players, it was still a disappointing performance, and one that puts Ashwell s h

A TOP-order batting collapse put paid to Ashwell's chances against league leaders Great Shelford.

Ashwell lost by nine wickets, and although they were without several regular players, it was still a disappointing performance, and one that puts Ashwell's hopes of promotion in jeopardy.

Having been put in to bat, Matt Skelding, Gary Simmons and Tim Moynihan all got out cheaply, with only Mark Stier (20) getting to grips with the Shelford attack.

After 11 overs Ashwell were 6 for 4, but Stier and Jonathan Merrell (50) added 77 in 20 overs to give the score a more respectable look.

However, against the accurate bowling of Milne (3 for 15) and Ellum (2 for 10) they found it difficult to score quickly. Once they were dismissed the innings subsided from 100 for 5 to 110 all out inside 39 overs.

Given that they were chasing a low target, Shelford had licence to attack, with Sutton (42) and Byatt (59 not out) doing just that.

They wrapped up the match in the 23rd over, finishing on 111 for 1.

Alex Griffin was the only successful Ashwell bowler, taking 1 for 29.

The result leaves Ashwell needing to win their final two league fixtures to retain a realistic hope of promotion. This weekend they host Whittlesford, and they will be hoping to get back to winning ways while hoping other results go their way.