Weather wipes out Langley clash

LANGLEY 1st XI remain as they were with just four league games left as the rain took centre stage in their home encounter against Appleton at the weekend.

With 15 overs lost per side each team had just 30 overs to bat, on a very damp pitch skipper David Frame won the toss and elected to bowl.

The visitors got off to a solid start as Cooper and Stoll saw off the new ball then increased the tempo.

They took the score to 72 off just 16 overs when Cooper 19 mistimed a drive and was caught at mid on by Frame off the bowling of Alex Berzins.

This induced a mini collapse as Sunny Malik bowled Sharif 5, Rowlands 0 was trapped LBW by Berzins, who then bowled Nesbit 4 and when Buck 0 was run out Appleton were reduced to 101-5.

Stoll, however, continued to play with fluency and aggression and held the Innings together.

Macauley chipped in with 16 before Malik bowled him with the score on 137-6.

Turner returned and immediately dismissed Stoll for a fine 86, a great effort in the conditions.

Malik then bowled Jackson 5 in the final over as Appleton closed on 155-7 off their 30 overs.

For Langley Malik 3-32 and Berzins 3-38 stood out.

In reply, Malik set off in his usual flamboyant manner he had scored 21 off just 10 balls before he was caught behind.

The heavens then opened and the match was abandoned with Brown 3no and Horham 1no.

Langley stay 16 points behind Maritime and visit them next weekend in a must win game.

Langley 2nd XI lost away at Knutsford, the hosts posted 132-9.

Langley were then bowled out for 65 they still remain in second place.