Langley win thriller by just one run

LANGLEY 1st XI played their home game against Aston at Kerridge at the weekend and won a tense encounter by the smallest of margins in what was a thrilling match.

Skipper Johnson elected to bat on a green, damp deck – which was always going to offer something to the bowlers.

Johnson and Little opened and with some good fortune added 19 – the highest partnership of the day.

Johnson (6) then edged to gully, Hobbs (4) soon followed edging to slip.

Pattison and Little pushed the score to 39 until the former was trapped LBW for 11, with the score on 39-3.

The innings then disintegrated in dramatic fashion. Little (19) skied to midwicket, Brown (4) and Betteridge (0) both edged to the keeper. Gregory (3) was then bowled and Berzins, Turner and Hughes were all dismissed for no runs.

Langley were all out for 57 in the 22nd over with Frame four not out.

For Aston the evergreen Pat Beasley took 7-24, assisted by Leese 3-7.

In reply the openers looked to be positive, Turner though needed a couple of overs to recover from his long innings. He eventually got into full swing, forcing Sant (4) to edge to slip. He then trapped both C Beesley (7) and R Draper LBW in successive deliveries and when he bowled Forster (4), Aston were in trouble on 21-4.

Frame and Berzins replaced the openers and the runs dried up. Berzins bowled Clark (4) and saw Gregory leap like a salmon to catch Davis (5) at square leg.

Berzins then claimed a third victim as Macey (6) was bowled. As the tension increased Frame pinned Leese (0) LBW as the visitors wobbled to 44-8.

The game then looked to swing in Aston’s favour.

Frame, having conceded three runs in nine overs, was hit for successive boundaries by D Draper and when the next ball went for four byes, Aston needed two to win.

The inspired Johnson then brought Turner back and Berzins swapped ends, the latter trapped D Draper (8) LBW and in the next over Turner bowled McCormick (1) as Aston were all out for 56 – falling one run short.

The bowlers did a great job. The excellent Turner 5-6 from eight overs, Berzins 4-9 off eight overs and Frame 1-11 off 10 overs.

Langley showed a great team spirit, winning back-to-back league games for the first time since May.

Langley remain in fourth place and travel to Wilmslow on Saturday.