A top order collapse, which saw five wickets clatter for only 19 runs, was the catalyst behind St Cross Symondians’ IIs defeat by Langley Manor, who toasted a first British Gas Southern League Division 2 win of the season.
St Cross appeared to be in cruise control at 76-0 with Paul Hawkins (42) and former Hampshire batsman Jason Laney (33) going nicely. But two run outs, the first Laney, prompted the innings to lose direction – and the Manor take the upper hand.
Teenage spinner Tommy Spencer conceded only 11 runs (two wides) off his ten overs and removed Matt Haworth in the bargain. St Cross suffered a third run out in their top six when Alex Ayres perished.
Graham Barrett (22) and Jack Middleton (18) made useful contributions, but 164 all out on the Green Jackets turf was never likely to be enough.
Haworth (2-32) responded, but a ten boundary 65 by Conor Browne, coupled with South African Saulieg Rayned (34), effectively ended any hope of a home escape act. Hockey ace Oli Knight hit 22 not out to finish things off.
St Cross appeared to be in cruise control at 76-0 with Paul Hawkins (42) and former Hampshire batsman Jason Laney (33) going nicely. But two run outs, the first Laney, prompted the innings to lose direction – and the Manor take the upper hand.
Teenage spinner Tommy Spencer conceded only 11 runs (two wides) off his ten overs and removed Matt Haworth in the bargain. St Cross suffered a third run out in their top six when Alex Ayres perished.
Graham Barrett (22) and Jack Middleton (18) made useful contributions, but 164 all out on the Green Jackets turf was never likely to be enough.
Haworth (2-32) responded, but a ten boundary 65 by Conor Browne, coupled with South African Saulieg Rayned (34), effectively ended any hope of a home escape act. Hockey ace Oli Knight hit 22 not out to finish things off.
