Langley too good for Sandbach youngsters

LANGLEY’S 1st XI travelled to Sandbach at the weekend and turned in a professional display against a young side with a comfortable victory.

Skipper Johnson elected to bat on a firm deck and the bowlers dominated the home side, who weren’t helped when skipper and leading run scorer Kesteven (7) misjudged a single and was run out by Brown’s clinical throw in the third over.

The little paceman Betteridge then bowled both Nolan (0) and Brooks (8), before Turner dismissed Taylor (4) in the same manner.

Things got no better for the hosts when Betteridge claimed a third wicket as Hampton (3) lost his off stump.

A mix-up then saw the classy Si Patterson run out Crampton (3) as Sandbach were reduced to 43-6. Only opener Whitby showed any degree of resistance.

Frame replaced Turner and bowled Bollan for five in his second over.

Bowyer (5) showed some defiance before chipping Frame to mid-on where Brown took a simple chance.

Whitby continued to repel the bowlers until, with the score on 73, he was bowled by Frame for a hard working 28 off 69 balls.

The last pair of Jones (10) and Guilford (14no) added 22 until the former was caught in the covers by Jacklin as Patterson claimed the final wicket as Sandbach were all out for 95 in 32 overs.

Frame (3-27), Betteridge (3-31), Patterson (1-10) and Turner (1-22) all bowled well.

In reply skipper Johnson (0) edged to the keeper with the score on 4.

Chris Pattison and Hobbs both looked in good form before a terrible mix-up saw Hobbs (12) run out with the score on 40.

Pattison (28) then miscued to point where a superb one-handed catch was taken.

The stubborn Letven and impressive Brown ensured there was to be no Langley wobble, pushing he score to 75 at which point a lack of foot movement saw Letven (1) out LBW.

Brown continued to push on, reaching 43 off just 37 balls. He mistimed a pullshot and was caught at square leg with the score on 84.

It was left to Jacklin (13no) and Gregory (1no) to take Langley to 99 and a five-wicket victory in 24 overs. Kesterven (4-35) bowled well.

A welcome win for Langley who move back into fourth place and face sixth-placed Aston next week.