The Cricket Gods returned from their nine week mid-summer break to discover that Langley had won all their games whilst they were away, and had risen to second in the table. That's interesting they thought. This needs further investigation. And so they did!

Gazing down upon a resplendant Peover Lane ground with a perfectly manicured square, they noticed the Groundsman slowly chugging along on a roller as old as he was under a straw hat the same colour as the track he was preparing.

They then watched with interest as he noticed a host of vehicles hurtling into the ground at 12.30, a full hour and a half before start of play. It was visitors Langley, who were obviously making a statement, as they all began their pre-match drills on the Chelford outfield before the home side had arrived. What cheek thought the Groundsman.

The Chelford boys then arrived in their usual casual manner, a few here and a few there, sarnie in one hand, pop in the other, and watched rather bemused as their opponents charged about in a clear attempt at intimidation. Interesting thought the Gods, we'll watch some more.

Chelford skipper Krish Bhardwa, then met the Langley captain Ian Platt for the toss, and the 'God of Tosses' decided it was to be Chelfords day as they had won none at home all season. And so they did, with Chelford electing to bat first on a flat batting track under leaden skies and a cool breeze. This soon changed as the amount of hot air that was expelled by Langley raised the temperature to rather humid.

Openers Hash Vora (20) & Andy Duffy (26) weren't a bit bothered though, as they got Chelford off to a solid start. With Hash finally dismissed by Matt Betteridge (3-56), in strode Nitin Srivastava. "Ah ha" said the 'God of Batting', "Today I will bestow Nitin with a wand of runs instead of a bat". And so he did! 113 runs later Nitin departed in only two hours of brilliant strokeplay. He was given great support by Dave Mutch (20).

Clearly unimpressed by things not going their way, several Langley players got a bit overheated and abuse flew in all directions led by D.Letven as he conceded 87 runs in 12 overs. His 4 wickets an undeserved return for some poor bowling. The Chelford innings finally came to an end at 218-9.

The Gods nodded approvingly, but decided to show their contempt at the poor attitude displayed by the visitors and hurled rain down on the ground for the duration of tea. Chelford rushed out and put on the covers to protect the pitch for Langleys reply. The Gods decided it was a fine effort of sportsmanship. There would be no tenth win for Langley, and punishment would be swift. And so it was!

The 'God of Bowling' then provided the seriously fast Shahid Yousaf (4-21) with several thunderbolts and Langley didn't like them. After ten overs they were 12-5! then 40-8, then 48 all out in just 22 overs. 'Mabs' Mahboob claimed (4-25) at the other end with his usual guile.

Justice done said the 'God of Cricket'. Aye! said all.