Form book ripped up as Longton claim first win of the season

LONGTON chalked up their first NSSCL Premier A win of the season with an against-the-odd success at Porthill Park.

- Chris Travers

Lee Ridgway's side had lost their opening three matches - two of them comprehensively - to head to the Old County Ground bottom of the early standings.

Skipper Ridgway had called for his players to show character ahead of the match to try to kick-start their campaign.

And they showed it in abundance as they managed to seal a three-wicket triumph, which few people outside of the Longton camp could have predicted.

Longton made a handy start to the game as Ridgway's decision to field first paid off as his attack reduced Porthill Park to 41-4.

But the home side rallied and Matthew Coxon (48) and Yohan Maddege (30) steadied the ship.

Jack Kesteven then built on those foundations with 58, which contained eight fours, to guide Porthill Park to 183-8 from their 45 overs. Tom Hope captured 3-19.

Matheesha Perera replied with 20 early on in reply, but it looked like Longton's quest for a maiden win would stretch into another week when they fell to 102-6.

However, Hope wasn't about to throw in the towel and he set about providing some much-needed Longton resilience.

Hope hit six fours and two sixes in an unbeaten 58 to lead Longton to a three-wicket win in the penultimate over.

Support was forthcoming from Ben Sharp (27) and Chris Dyer (16no) to secure the surprise win for Ridgway's men.

Maddege claimed 4-25 for the home side and there were a couple of victims for John Hancock.

Audley are leading the way at the summit after banking a third victory in four games - with Meakins being their latest scalp.

Visitors Meakins could only muster 100 all out in the formative stages of the game at Kent Hills as seamer Rob Hemmings helped himself to 5-17.