No reward for struggling Langley

LANGLEY entertained Cholmondeley at the weekend and despite their best efforts they failed to gain a muchneeded victory – one that their efforts deserved.

With the hosts and visitors filling the relegation positions in TACS League Division One, it was a must-win game for both teams; Cholmondeley won the toss and elected to bowl.

Malik and Kenneady opened the batting and got Langley off to a solid start with 36 in six overs, until Malik (18) played across the line and was bowled.

Brown joined Kenneady and both looked in good touch; they ran well and put any loose deliveries to the boundary.

The score reached 96 when Kenneady was caught behind for 42, Brown (34) soon followed, mistiming a drive and when Pattison was caught at deep mid-on Langley had wobbled to 109-4.

Stevens and Jacklin had to show some grit and determination, and they did, accelerating to take the game away from Cholmondeley with 129 runs in just 16 overs. Both fell in the run chase, Stevens for 52 and Jacklin for 67 as Langley declared on 239-7 off just 38 overs.

In reply Betteridge and Frame tore into the Cholmondeley top order, reducing them to 54-6 in just 16 overs.

Betteridge had Pearce caught at third man by Frame for a duck, and Frame then had Hockenhall caught behind by Pattison, the first of four catches for him.

Betteridge then saw Rowland (4) and Mohan (18) dismissed in the same fashion, and when Frame then had Maginess caught at gully by Jacklin for 16 and Johnson superbly caught Kimble at first slip off Frame, Langley were well in control.

The openers were replaced and Measures and Frazer Cooke dug in; they held Langley at bay in determined fashion, and added 84 in 26 overs.

That stand ended when Berzins chased a ball to deep mid-on, off his own bowling, and his accurate throw saw Measures (42) run out attempting a third run.

Frame then returned to trap Torr LBW without scoring and when Berzins had Cooke (25) caught behind the hosts were 138-9 with seven overs remaining.

Credit to Atkinson (20 not out) and Rich Cooke (eight not out) as they survived the overs to see the visitors hold on for a draw.

For Langley Frame (4-47 off 17 overs), Betteridge (3-35 off 10 overs) and Berzins (1-24 off nine overs) took the wickets.

Cholmondeley stay bottom while Langley are now two points behind Winnington Park who they play next week, in another crucial relegation battle.