It was a double header Saturday for Dinton and Steeple Langford as the club’s 1st XI’s locked horns at The Rec Dinton and their 2nd XI’s played out their game at Langford.

The constant battle to field two full sides continued meaning some last minute juggling of the teams with Rich Cridge and Nick Gale promoted to bolster the 1st, but thankfully they were not missed.

At Steeple Langford, Tom Patrick captaining a Saturday league game for the 1st time, called incorrectly at the toss and was asked to bat 1st on a damp wicket. The going was tough early on in the face of some tight bowling from Nathan Hill (3-30) and Chris Smith (1-34) although both were wicket less in their opening spells.

It was Daniel Bennett that took the first wicket when he removed skipper Patrick for a patient 16 with the score on 45. This opening partnership laid a solid foundation for the innings as Simon Rawlins who joined Nuttall was able to be more expansive from the off. The pair added 84 for the second wicket until Nuttall was adjudged LBW for a well-made 70.

The veteran Dave Roberts joined Rawlins and a mini partnership helped Dinton towards their 3rd 200 plus score of the season. However, when the pair fell in quick succession, both to Tony Gipson (2-42), Dinton struggled to score with the same freedom.

In the end, it was left to some trademark blows from Andy Coulson to take Dinton to their score of 198-9. Dinton opened the bowling with 13 year old James Nuttall and Martin Stennings 47 years his senior, a mix of youth and experience, as the pair reduced their hosts to 10-3. Stennings valiantly bowled through his 10 overs taking 3-30.

Tom Kilgour (1-31) chipped in with the wicket of Luke Emm at 74-5 and Langford were in danger of capitulating. Joe McNeilly and Chris Miles had other ideas adding 68 for the 6th wicket to give Dinton a worry, but Ben Combes dismissed both in consecutive overs the game swung back towards Dinton.

Combes finished with a career best 4-34 and Langford on 175-9 at the end of proceedings. Dinton, keeping up their 100% record, remain at the top of the league. Next week they entertain Laverstock and Ford 2nd XI.