STRETTON remain at the top of the Cheshire Cricket Alliance but skipper Phil James is a worried man as the team turned in their second successive below-par performance at Langley on Saturday.

The home team elected to bat and hurried to an almost unassailable total of 261 for the loss of only six wickets. Mark Critchley returned figures of three wickets for 64 runs.

Stretton elected to chase the target rather than settle for a draw. Unfortunately, wickets were lost steadily and true momentum never got going.

They were bowled out for 144. There were creditable knocks of 40 from Steve Oldfield and 25 apiece from Paul Marsh and Phil Gandy.

The seconds were at home to the same opposition and secured a fine victory.

Langley set a decent total of 183 in their innings. Top bowler was Jason Taylor with three for 57. Andy Shaw and Bryan Jones each took two wickets.

Stretton were boasting a strong batting line up and were able to knock off the total for the loss of only four wickets.

Billy Hampson, in his first game back after breaking a hand, was top scorer with 50. Support came from Andy Bartlett with 25 and Tim Mullins, who crashed a quick fire 28.

The second team remain third in their league.