DEFEAT at Dumbleton last Thursday failed to take the shine off what was a sun-drenched cricket week for Ashton.

Monday's opener saw Richard Cooper (83) and Darren Haines (66) set Kidderminster a stiff target of 208 that they fell by 58 to reach as Steve Fletcher grabbed 3-8 from eight overs in a reply of 150-9.

Ashton then lost half their side with just 48 on the board against Worcester Fossils the next day but Fletcher (3), Robbie Hawker (31) and Mike Banks (30) aided a recovery to 148.

Fletcher's fine week continued when he took four cheap wickets as the Fossils struggled to 87-8.

There was Jack Grove Midweek League success the next night when 47 from Jason Haines and 40 from Tom Archer set Exhall and Wixford 136 for victory.

Banks then showed his all-round prowess with figures of 4-33 as the visitors made 116-7 from 20 overs.

John Hottinger's century and an unbe-aten 89 from Graeme Piesse put Ashton to the sword at Dumbleton who rattled up 255-3.

Ashton produced a creditable reply in the stifling heat with Jason Haines top scoring with 50 in a total of 212-5.