Langley up to fourth after tough victory
LANGLEY 1st XI moved up to fourth place with a hard fought win away at Holmes Chapel.
The home side elected to bat on a hot, sunny day. Matty Betteridge struck in the first over when Stuart (0) was caught behind by Tom Potts.
Rebbeck and Aspden steadied the ship, adding 41. Skipper Alex Berzins struck with the latter caught at slip for 10.
The introduction of Andy Pawley saw opener Rebbeck (33) mis-time a pull shot to midwicket. This induced a mini collapse as spin twins Steve Whittingham and Si Patterson tied down the middle order.
Whittingham had Zafar (10) caught at square leg, whilst Patterson forced Helyar (10) to chip to mid on and then caught and bowled Thorburn (10) as Chapel fell to 94-6.
Credit to Young (38), Steer (21) and Hamilton (9no) who hit out in the final stages as Chapel posted 156-7 off their 45 overs. Pick of the attack was Si Patterson who claimed 2-21, however his day was cut short with a horrific finger injury.
In response Langley got off to a woeful start as they collapsed to 29-4. Paully Morgan (1) was caught at slip, Andy Pawley (0) was bowled shouldering arms, Chris Pattison (9) was caught and bowled, Olly Wheelton (18) looked in great form until he was caught at mid on.
James Bennet and Tom Potts rallied, doubling the score until Potts (12) hit a full toss straight at mid off. Betteridge and Bennet mixed defence and aggression, Bennet looked to be heading towards a second half century of the season, but on 46 he was stumped and the game looked to going the way of the home side as Langley struggled to 96-6.
Betteridge and veteran Whittingham had other ideas, adding 41 until, with the score on 137, Betteridge called for a quick single, Whittingham – exhausted in the heat – sent him back and Betteridge (26) was run out.
David Frame joined Whittingham with 20 needed and defended for his life whilst Whittingham played several elegant cover drives as victory was secured with four overs left. Whittingham (35no) and Frame (2no).
Langley are well placed in fourth place with 82 points 25 points behind leaders Wayfarers. Langley entertain Cholmondeley next Saturday.