Poynton hit back in style

THIS victory over the league leaders was the perfect response by Poynton to the previous week’s collapse. Their batting lynchpin Paul Gould led the way to victory, making his highest score since his return to his home town club last season.

Ashton-on-Mersey have been scoring heavily so far this season, but here their top order struggled against Jimmy Williams and Tom Hamnett. Only James Lines, with 50 exactly, made double figures in the top six.

Sam Timbs proved a more awkward customer for Poynton though, as he smashed 61 from just 55 deliveries with seven fours and a six. When he added 50 for the ninth wicket with Mike Roberts, it had appeared the momentum might now be with Ashton.

Gould and Simon Dunn took Poynton to 28-0 in just four overs, but with Timbs then taking four wickets, the outcome hung in the balance with the score on 113-5.

It needed a composed 22 not out from Nathan Baxter - the first significant contribution from the new overseas player – to turn the game back Poynton’s way.

The young Australian teamed up with Gould to add a further 52 runs, and by the time Gould fell for 92, victory was all but wrapped up.