Langley buoyed by narrow defeat
LANGLEY 1st XI travelled to Chester County Offices at the weekend where they were narrowly beaten on a dry outfield and a damp but well prepared wicket.
The toss was always going to be crucial and, sadly for Langley, CCO won and it was no surprise to see them elect to bowl.
Openers Hobbs and Tift took the score to 19 until Tift mistimed a drive which stuck in the pitch and was well caught at cover for 10, Little (1) was pinned LBW and when Hobbs (21) played on Langley were in trouble at 33-3.
Luke Cartwright and Chris Pattison steadied the ship, with the latter very aggressive and the former playing the anchor role. Pattison was the only batsman who would score at a run a ball, hitting a fluent 31 before he chipped a full toss to mid widwicket with the score on 71-4.
Brown (10) battled hard until he played round a straight ball and was LBW as Langley found conditions tough at 87-5.
Luke Cartwright continued to battle on after playing himself in. He steadily gained momentum, hitting a valuable 31 off 69 balls until he was caught behind. Adam Cartwright (1) showed less patience as he rashly drove to mid off as the innings faltered to 110-7.
Betteridge looked in good form and needed support, sadly Berzins (3) and skipper Frame (2) both played poor shots as they innings faded to 128-9. Turner joined Betteridge and the duo dug in and used up the remain- ing six overs and added a much needed 24 runs as Langley recorded 152-9 off their 45 overs, Johnson 6-57 the pick of the attack.
After a fine tea, the Langley bowlers were met by a much drier and firmer deck which was always going to make batting easier.
Turner and Frame opened up and they both bowled tidely. The score reached 17 when Sivier (7) was caught at short cover by Little off the bowling of Frame and the same combination then saw Hickey (3) dismissed in the same fashion but by a superb one handed diving catch, with the score on 27-2 off 14 overs.
Thomas (10) attempted to increase the run rate but Betteridge bowled him and in the same over Downham (0) was adjudged LBW. At 45-4 the game was well poised.
Opener Birchall and Whittle then doubled the score, adding 45 and taking the score to 90.
With 62 needed off the last 12 overs, the introduction of Adam Cartwright saw the talented youngster claim a wicket with his first ball as Whittle (14) was caught by Pattison.
Turner then returned and bowled Putson (4), Adam Cartwright caught and bowled Holland (3) and when Turner bowled Green (2) CCO were wobbling at 112-8.
Birchall, though, refused to budge and Langley needed two wickets in the final over, bowled by Betteridge, who agonisingly saw Birchall dropped at slip.
It was not to be for Langley though they did see Johnson run out off the final ball as CCO scored 119-9. Birchall (70no) carried his bat and prevented a Langley win.
It was a great effort by the Langley bowlers who toiled away on a deck that got better as the day went on. Adam Cartwright (2-12 off 5 overs), Betteridge (2-18 off 9), Frame (2-23 off 11), Turner 2-36 off 14) plus the luckless Berzins all did their job.
Skipper Frame was upbeat as Langley sit second in the league, one point behind Wilmslow who they host next week.
He said: “It was a tough toss to lose and batting was difficult with Johnson bowling very well, tying up one end. Only the superb Chris Pattison looked at ease, I was very pleased with Luke Cartwright who showed great maturity and battled hard.
“The innings looked to be folding and the 10th wicket partnership of 24 between Paddy and Betters was crucial.
“The wicket dried out during tea and CCO looked a very solid batting unit. The bowlers worked hard, credit to Birchall who held their innings together, I thought Paddy again bowled well on a deck that wouldn’t suit him, Betters is so reliable and we would be lost without him, I am just please to be bowling after dislocating my shoulder!!,
“Adam Cartwright looked a different bowler this week and can gain great confidence from his display, the lad has a big future and on another day Berzins could of grabbed a wicket or two, we showed great spirit and with a bit more luck could of claimed a win, next week we need to raise out game further as Wilmslow are a good young side who have some fine players who can take the game away from you” NATIONAL Two North champions Macclesfield rounded off a fine 2015/16 campaign with a 43-19 win over fourth-placed Stourbridge.