Reigning Division 2 champions Langley Manor Academy failed to get their top flight campaign off to a winning start in the first round of matches in the Taurus Romsey Indoor Cricket League.

Facing Langley Manor A, the latter got off to a flying start thanks mainly to Nick Wheeler (20) and Pete Jerram (29 retired).

Under-13 Ben Rogers showed his potential with a patient 25 and some late hitting from Tom Spencer (16) saw Manor A finish on 138-3.

Youngsters Jordan Ponting (2-28) and Ethan Terris (1-42) took the wickets.

In reply, skipper Jack Payne (24) and Terris started steadily, but they were always behind the required run rate.

A flurry of boundaries from Jordan Ponting (28 retired) and Todd Garner (18 not out) saw the Academy finish on a respectable 108-2 (Nick Wheeler 1-23, 1-47).

The evening’s other game saw defending champions Romsey defeat Michlemersh and Timsbury A by six wickets.

M&T batted first and their score of 86-4 was thanks mainly to Paul Hurle (30 not out) and Tim Loescher (12 not out).

Romsey spin twins Jodie Brown (3-18) and Charlie King (1-19) did most of the damage.

In reply, Romsey made light work of the target and got home with more than half of their overs left thanks to big-hitting from Shane Vidler(25 not out), Elliott Mitchell-Lee (22 not out) and Charlie King (25 not out).

Matt Birch suffered most of the onslaught, with his two overs going for a whopping 42 runs.