IN A game reduced to 28 overs-a-side, Ashwell s promotion bid took a boost as they saw off Cambs Junior Division 1B leaders USSC by six wickets. Unbeaten in five games, USSC started the game as favourites, with the visitors form varied of late, however,

IN A game reduced to 28 overs-a-side, Ashwell's promotion bid took a boost as they saw off Cambs Junior Division 1B leaders USSC by six wickets.

Unbeaten in five games, USSC started the game as favourites, with the visitors' form varied of late, however, it was Ashwell who impressed by reaching 136 with six wickets in hand and nine balls to spare.

USSC's early batsmen struggled to make much headway against the steely opening spells of Gary Simmons and Matt Skelding before Jon Simons came into the attack and bowled four more economical overs.

But it was Tim Moynihan who made the breakthrough for Ashwell, having Livett smartly caught at the wicket by Peter Long for 27, before having Vilojoen (18) caught shortly after.

Moynihan then struck again, before skipper Jonathan Merrell (3 for 12) took the wickets of Gallagher and Hincks to leave USSC precariously placed at 95 for 6 after 22 overs.

Cronin proved the hosts' main threat as he breezed to 41.

However, he was eventually dispatched by Ashwell debutant Richard Parry who held a brilliant catch on the boundary.

Gary Simmons (3 for 21) closed the scoring down in the final stages, and as a result USSC finished on 136 for 9.

In reply, Richard Young and Martyn Deal made a brisk start, before Deal was caught for 7, before both Tom Wallace and Moynihan were also lost cheaply.

Young was then joined by Richard Parry (28), with the new boy setting up a partnership that would ultimately turn the match in the visitors' favour.

The pair added 59 before Parry was bowled by Hincks, with Ashwell well set on 105 for 4 in the 21st over and needing 32 runs in little more than seven overs.

Young (67 not out) rose to the challenge and passed his 50, and in tandem with Gary Simmons (10 not out) saw Ashwell home without further alarm and to 138 for 4.

Ashwell captain Jonathan Merrell said: "It was a really good performance, and it did much to undo the damage of losing to Longstowe last week. We bowled and fielded better than we have recently, and Gary Simmons really stood out with the ball.

"Richard Young has also been in good form and batting very well, and he was certainly on his game on Saturday.

"The win obviously boosts our promotion chances and has also hurt USSC's bid.

"However, any two of six teams can still go up. I imagine that it will be a few more weeks before things are decided.