STEEPLE Langford dropped into third in County Division 4 North after slumping to a 127-run home defeat to new leaders Bishops Waltham seconds.

Electing to bat first, Bishops Waltham were soon in trouble at nine for three after excellent bowling from Gary Smith and Nick Partridge.

After some early scares Corder (73) and Budd (50) then got their eye in on a hard flat track to put on 126 for the fourth wicket. Once this partnership ended, wickets then fell at regular intervals with only Bradley (32*) making a significant contribution and the innings ended on 215 for 9. Smith ended with a fine 4 for 35 and Chris Mundy chipped in with 3 for 46. At tea the home team felt confident of chasing this down but things changed dramatically within the first seven overs with the batsmen seemingly on a suicide mission to leave Steeple Langford trembling on a catastrophic seven for six. Martin Grearson (27) and Gary Smith (36) looked very comfortable in putting on 57 to try and bring some element of respectability to the score but once they were out the innings faded to a paltry 88 all out, Bradley being the pick of the bowlers taking five for 10.

If Langford want to maintain their promotion push, then they need to rediscover their batting form.