At last! At the tenth time of asking, Leckford chalked up their first win of the season last Saturday.

Skipper Mark Tomlinson was delighted, when he won the toss, to condemn the visitors to a hot afternoon in the field. But things did not start promisingly - they lost a wicket without a run on the board.

However, Tomlinson and Miles Bulpitt (22) pulled things round with a stand of 54, and when vice-captain Nick Bolshaw joined his skipper they really started to attack the Langley bowling. The pair registered a century partnership before Tomlinson was caught and bowled for 64.

Bolshaw was then joined by Simon Ambler, and they also achieved a century partnership before Bolshaw was bowled for 77. Christian Nicel, with a quickfire 14 finished the innings in style as Leckford ended on a mammoth 298 for 4. Ambler (53no) completed his half-century, and the Leckford cause was helped no end by the 68 extras.

In reply, Langley started slowly as the bowlers maintained a good line and length.

It was the introduction of Nigel Marriott that brought about the breakthrough when he had Bosomworth well caught by Tim Richman for 48.

Wickets then fell at regular intervals as the Langley batsmen tried to get up to the required run rate. Opener Cresswell held firm as the batsmen at the other end found different ways to get themselves out. He was eventually dismissed when Tomlinson caught him off the bowling of Carl Whatley for a very good 106. The rest of the batting fell away, and Langley were finally all out for 245. Marriott finished with 2 for 36. Whatley picked up three good wickets in the middle of the innings and Richman collected three near the end. A run out and a first wicket of the season for Stuart Hicks completed the innings.

This was a good result for Leckford, who must hope to repeat it a few more times if they're to avoid relegation.