Ray Tammam, captain of Manchester Maccabi, praised bowler Daniel Franks following his team's defeat against leaders Ashton Allstars in the Greater Manchester Amateur League.

Franks put in a demon spell, claiming five-wickets, including a hat-trick, to dismiss Ashton for 79 and become the first Maccabi player that has taken five wickets since Tammam three years ago

Three wickets from Steven Allweis plus two from Adam Schogger kept Maccabi in contention but they did not get near the target, mustering a meagre 25 runs in reply. Josh Danski top-scored with nine.

Tammam said: "It was a fantastic bowling performance against what looks like the best team in a good standard league, but their bowling was just too good for us and we'll keep on learning, and get better as the season progresses.

"We haven't been thrashed in any game. We've been beaten but in no game comprehensively so. I think we'll improve but it's difficult."

Maccabi claimed eight bonus points, a boost in their bid to climb off the bottom of the table. They take on second-placed Knight Riders on Sunday.