The Evening League team's success of promotion on a Wednesday will, hopefully, rub off on the Saturday team's results for the rest of the season.
A strong Ash XI was available against a Ripon outfit that was somehow above us in the table, we were keen to put that right, as long as the weather held off!
Ripon were keen to play so we agreed on a 42 over game and we started at 2.15 pm with grey clouds all round Bluecote Wood.
Openers James Thompson (13) and Ali Bowles (9) both fell with the score on 35, but Ned McClelland (99 no) and Mark Taylor (72 no) took advantage of some 'average' bowling as they put on 190 for the third wicket as we ended up on 225 for 2 wickets.
After a fine tea from 'keeper Neil Laurence, skipper 'Denzel' Clarke was looking for the bowling and fielding to match the batting performance.
Only skipper Sean Easey (30) reached double figures, catches were held and the bowlers held a good line and length as the opposition fell for 75 all out.
A 150 run victory about the right difference between the teams as catches were held by James Thompson, Jim Coldwell, Ned McClelland and the pick of the bunch from Mark Taylor, a one handed catch without even looking ........
A wicket each for Ali Bowles, Mark Taylor and Jim Coldwell, two for Matt Hanson and Ned McClelland and an excellent three for Allan Toole.
Scorecard:
Pannal Ash Innings