Scores are reportedly lower for Ashes holders (4)
I believe the answer is:
urns
'ashes holders' is the definition.
I can't explain the rest of the clue.
(Other definitions for urns that I've seen before include "Vessels to hold the ashes of the dead" , "Vaselike vessels on pedestals" , "Containers for ashes" , "Runs to get large vases" , "Tall vases" .)