Sixth win in row keeps Ashwell bid on track

A SIXTH straight victory means Ashwell remain at the top of Cambridgeshire Junior Division 2 - and their dreams of promotion remain intact.

Skipper Tim Moynihan retained his personal record of winning every toss this season, and had little hesitation in putting his men into bat against Bassingbourn, with Pete Davis and Jonathan Merrell sharing a 50-run partnership before the 12th over.

But just as the pair were looking to cut loose, Bassingbourn introduced Neil Smith into the attack, and he saw off both Davis (27) and Merrell (27).

At 64-2 the Ashwell innings needed stability, but when Matt Skelding and Moynihan were also dismissed, the home side were wobbling on 88-4.

Gary Simmons remained a calm presence, however, and alongside Gavin Donald managed to push the Ashwell score along.

And once the impressive Smith (3-36) had completed his spell, Simmons began to get the better of the Bassingbourn bowlers, hitting three sixes on his way to 74 not out.

Donald played his part too, with an unbeaten 27, and Ashwell closed on 188-4.

The visitors' reply began shakily, with opening bowler Sam Ingrey causing problems with his pace.

Ingrey found the stumps three times, with 5-20 off his 10 overs.

At the other end Skelding's line and length was equally threatening, as he finished his overs on 4-33, with Bassingbourn on 56-9.

However, the away side's final wicket did not fall as quickly as Ashwell would have liked, with Ben Allen a particular menace on 29 not out.

But it was his partner Smith who brought the game to a close when he was caught on the mid-wicket boundary for 10.

Despite a brave stand by Bassingbourn's final pair, the visitors were all out for 98, giving Ashwell a 90-run victory.

Ashwell still need to win their remaining two games, which are against Comberton and Steeple Morden.

If they do, the Division 2 title will be theirs.