ASHWELL retained top spot in Cambridgeshire Junior Division 2, thanks to fine all-round performances from club stalwarts Tim Moynihan and Gary Simmons. In the absence of Martyn Deal, Max Rushden was promoted to open the innings for Ashwell, and after rec

ASHWELL retained top spot in Cambridgeshire Junior Division 2, thanks to fine all-round performances from club stalwarts Tim Moynihan and Gary Simmons.

In the absence of Martyn Deal, Max Rushden was promoted to open the innings for Ashwell, and after receiving two wides from his Little Shelford opponents, was surprised to see his middle stump pinned back by the first legitimate delivery of the game.

And when Pete Davis also fell early for five, and Matt Skelding was dismissed cheaply, Ashwell were rocking at 30-3.

However, it took a stand of 47 between Moynihan and Simmons (20) to steady the innings, with the pair's durability ensuring the league leaders' innings did not collapse.

The in-form Tom Wallace (18) continued after Moynihan was bowled for a top-scoring 54, with Mark Stier marshalling the rest of the batsmen to the close with 18 not out, and Ashwell finishing on 147 all out.

Ashwell felt that this would be a competitive score, but it was known that Little Shelford had some hard hitting batsmen in their ranks, so nothing could be taken for granted.

Sam Ingrey (1-33) opened the bowling with Matt Skelding (1-32), with both striking early.

As Little Shelford progressed to 71-2, they were starting to look clear favourites for the win.

However, Simmons had other ideas, and came into the Ashwell attack with a vengeance.

Taking a wicket in each over he bowled, Simmons quickly dismissed the lively Smith (61) and then helped see off the rest of the Little Shelford order.

Simmons took a remarkable 6-12 from his six overs, with Moynihan clearing up the rest with 2-11 from his 5.1 overs.

Losing their last eight wickets for 24 runs, Little Shelford were bowled out for 95, and Ashwell were home by 52 runs.