EAST ARDSLEY were given a harsh lesson last Saturday in what they will need to do stay in the Central Yorkshire League's top flight, writes Stuart Hodgson.
Premier Division title challengers Townville were just too strong for Ardsley who took the first knock at Jeffrey Field.
The first blow came as Ardsley opener Andy Langley was struck on the left elbow and had to retire for treatment with the score
on 4-0.
In his absence Townville’s bowlers were relentless and Ardsley were reduced to 21-7.
At one stage, four Ardsley wickets fell without a run being added to the score, indeed the next run added came from a bye.
Langley, provided the only glimmer of hope and proved a real hero as he returned to the crease with his elbow bound up. He saw the ninth wicket fall to some smart fielding for a run out.
However, Langley and the final batsman showed more fight and courage than the rest of the team to take the score to a paltry 51 all out.
The injured Langley finished by scoring 21.
The innings had taken just over an hour as Adam Walton (5-26) and Andy Carrington (3-19) wreaked most of the havoc.
Townville showed just how strong they are as the top three batsmen swept their side to a nine-wicket success.
It was a huge blow to Ardsley, especially as their nearest rivals Scholes earned four points to open the gap at the bottom of the table to five points.
Ardsley, who were promoted last season, need to remember they earned their place in the top flight on merit and must now get stuck in to fight to keep that place, with things not as bad as they might be thinking, after all they won’t face Townville on this form every week.
Andy Langley defied injury to return and score 21 for East Ardsley last Saturday.
Picture: Ian Harber.
