BARROW are now firmly rooted in the relegation mire in Division One after losing by nine wickets to table-topping Ashton on Mersey.

On a damp wicket, Ashton’s opening bowlers enjoyed the conditions, with the ball rising off a length.

Good contributions from Matt Russell, Brad Cleaver, Nick Bell and Lee Dwyer, who top-scored with 24 gave Barrow a modest 97-9 to defend.

But as the wicket dried out Ashton took full advantage, reaching Barrow’s total with 15 overs to spare, finishing with 101-1.

Promotion-chasing ALVANLEY’S three-match unbeaten streak came to an end with a three-wicket defeat at Winnington Park.

Andy Bennion and Dave Shewring (33) posted 40 for the first wicket and Ben Pearce (31) and Chris Fletcher (30) also contributed, but Alvanley suffered a middle-order collapse as they posted 162-8.

After the break despite Ed Speakman’s debut wicket and Dave Shewring’s 6-46 Park reached 163-7 with four overs remaining.

MALPAS also lost ground in the race for a County League place, losing at Trafford MV by 23 runs.

Trafford batted first and despite being reduced to 42-6 managed to reach 170ao (M Goldsmith 6-80, T Peake 3-28).

In reply, Malpas were all out for 147 (Rishan Fernando 76, Tom Coates 32).

In Division Two KINGSLEY hung on to draw with Over Peover.

After fine displays with the ball from Rob Massey (4-36) and James Hendry (3-54), Peover finished on 154ao.

Kingsley’s reply was lit up by the innings of Mark Butcher (26) but was otherwise sporadic as they battled to reach 130-9.

CHOLMONDELEY won by six wickets at Alderley Park.

Park scored 88ao but Chum reached 89-4.

CHESTER COUNTY OFFICERS were agonisingly close to victory at Stretton in Division Three.

The hosts batted first and reached 188-8 (Steve Johnson 2-49, Ian Rule 3-49).

In reply, Chester quickly lost Mike Rowlands, but Tony Hattersley dug in with Rule (27).

Gradually Hattersley (107) rediscovered his form supported by Chris Wright (16), but with victory in sight Hattersley was out and CCO were only able to equalise the scores on 188-5.

BUNBURY remain in trouble after losing by one wicket to Lindow.

Visiting Bunbury batted first and set 153-6, but Lindow countered after tea with 154-9.