Langley wash-out after club had hit back-to-back wins

LANGLEY 1st XI gained back-to-back wins for the first time since June when beating the Wirral at home at the weekend.

With the start delayed by 90 minutes and the wicket very wet and muddy, the toss was always going to be crucial, skipper Frame had no hesitation when asking the visitors to bat.

The Wirral got off to a positive start adding 12 in the first three overs, they then lost three quick wickets – Betteridge trapped Jones, four, LBW, Frame then bowled Holder, eight, and when Betteridge bowled M Muise, two, the Wirral were in trouble on 19-3.

Develing and Lewis steadied the ship, the former hitting several powerful blows.

They took the score to 45 when the dangerous Develing 24 was LBW to Frame.

The innings then faltered badly – Betteridge bowled both Peel, 0, and Lewis, seven.

O’Connell, 14, was caught in the deep by Brown off Frame, and Clewes, 0, was well caught by Patterson at gully off Betteridge, T

Muise, nine, was bowled by Betteridge before Patterson superbly caught Mahers, 0, one handed diving forward at second slip off Frame as the Wirral were all out for 75.

Langley took some fine catches, Betteridge took season best figures of 6-39 off 12 overs and Frame 4-36 off 11.3 overs.

In reply Pattison and Gregory opened up, Pattison showed positive intent hitting 12 off the first over, Gregory, however, soon departed Bowles by M.Muise for a duck.

Hobbs joined Pattison and both struck the ball well, dispelling any nerves.

Their partnership ended when an awful mix up saw Pattison run out for 38 off 28 balls with the score on 53.

Hughes joined Hobbs and they took Langley to victory with Hughes hitting a six to win the game, Hobbs 26no and Hughes 14no as Langley reached 81-2 off 11.3 over

Skipper Frame said: “Credit to all the players and umpires who, in very wet conditions, got the game played.

“Both times we have played the Wirral they have stayed on the field and completed the game despite the rain when they were set to lose.

“They deserve a lot of credit for that.

“The toss was very important and the conditions suited me and Matty B.

“He deserved his six wickets, he’s bowled well all season without much luck, I’m chuffed for him.

“We fielded very well and Si Patterson took two great catches.

“In reply Chris Pattison batted very aggressively. He is such a good player and we are so lucky to have him.

“The run out was farcical, nevertheless, Hobbsy and Hughesy did well and took us to victory.

“The atmosphere was good today and we need to take that to Alderley Park next week. It will be a tough local derby.” ●● LANGLEY’S game at Alderley Park was abandoned without a ball being bowled at the weekend, heavy rain leaving the ground drenched. Langley stand in 8th place, 12 points behind the fourth-placed team and 27 above the relegation zone. They entertain Over Peover next weekend. ●●