AMPORT Cricket Club lost out in the National Village Knockout Competition after a 31-run defeat to Southern Premier League Division Two side Langley Manor.

Amport, who play in the Hampshire Cricket League, won the toss and elected to put their visitors out to bat.

However, the Manor openers raced away from the off and after just 14 overs, and a few early nicks between the slips for four, Harris and Budd had plundered a largely risk-free 140 runs.

The introduction of the rarely used off-breaks of skipper Lee Ayers, and the wily variations of the evergreen Ade Holewell, slowed the rate and produced wickets.

Budd was stumped by youngster Alex Ayers off the bowling of dad Lee Ayers for 66 and Harris departed lbw to Holewell for 79.

Jenkins kept the scoreboard ticking with a fine 50, in partnership with young prospect Elliot Ponting.

The run rate slowed but the Manor ended their knock at 283-7 off 40 overs, Lee Ayers ending with figures of 3-34.

In reply, Amport gave their higherranked opponents a real fright, with skipper Ayers starring with the bat this time.

Making the most of several dropped catches, Ayers blasted a mighty unbeaten 113 with 12 fours and five sixes, to keep the home side in touching distance.

With valuable contributions from Edd Sutthery, Ant Gillard and Nathan Birks, the small village side fell just short of the imposing target, ending on 252-9 to earn Langley a 31-run win.