Langley share spoils after tribute to John
LANGLEY 1st XI entertained Appleton at the weekend in a match that was overshadowed by the tragic news that Appleton player John Nesbitt, aged only 18, had died in his sleep just two days before the game. Langley send their deepest sympathy to friends and family of John.
After a minute’s silence, Langley were asked to bat first. Openers Zak Howdle and Paully Morgan got Langley off to a steady start adding 44 in 15 overs before Morgan (22) was bowled.
Howdle (19) soon followed, also bowled, and when Pat Horgan (4) miscued a drive, Langley had their backs to the wall at 54-3.
Chris Pattison and Olly Wheelton steadied the ship. Both were defending well and punishing anything loose. The duo laid the platform for the innings, adding 76 in 16 overs before they both fell with the score on 130.
Pattison (46) was caught and bowled and Wheelton (25) drilled to mid off. With the game evenly poised both teams fought hard to take command.
Andy Pawley (8) was trapped LBW, James Bennet (9) was uncharacteristically bowled trying to hit over the top, Matty Betteridge (15) was caught in the deep and when Adam Cartwright (5) was bowled, Langley were 167-9.
Skipper Alex Berzins (9no) and David Frame (7) rallied, taking Langley to 183 all out and maximum batting points before Frame was run out in the final over. For Appleton, Thomas (5-29) was the strand out performer.
After a fantastic tea prepared by Mrs Howdle, Appleton set off in their reply.
They soon found themselves in trouble as Cartwright claimed two LBW victims, McDonald (3) and Sharif (4), as Appleton struggled to 12-2.
Betteridge was not to be outshone and joined the party as Stoll (4) was caught behind and Morrison (0) was another LBW victim first ball as the visitors wobbled to 21-4.
Buck and Wright took the score to 50, the former finally bowled by Berzins for 18.
It was clear Appleton’s best hope was to battle out for a draw. Skipper Wright looked in good form, hitting several fine boundaries, and he reached 30 when Frame pinned him LBW.
Aslam looked to stand between Langley and victory. Bennet replaced Berzins and struck immediately as Cooper (0) was LBW and Gavaskar (0) was bowled. Appleton were 77-8 with 14 overs remaining.
Credit to Aslam and Jackson who fought hard and repelled everything Langley through at them.
Despite several bowling changes, Appleton held on as they reached 101-8 off their 45 overs.
For Langley, Bennet 2-10 off 6 overs, Cartwright 2-22 off 10 overs, Betteridge 2-29 off 11 overs, Frame 1-13 off 9 overs and Berzins 1-13 off 7 overs all bowled well.
A hard fought game saw Langley claim 16 points and Appleton 8 points. Langley move back into second place and travel to leaders Heaton Mersey next weekend.
Langley’s 2nd XI kept alive their hopes of avoiding relegation when they defeated Brooklands 3s. Brooklands posted 181-9, with Matt Barber and veteran Tim Moore taking three wickets each.
In reply, Langley cruised to victory posting 182-3.
Rick Hughes (85) and Tom Potts (51) batted well.
They entertain Disley next week.