The struggling Souters crumbled to a 10-wicket defeat against the league leaders, who are edging away from closest rivals St. Boswells.

The match was in doubt of going ahead due to heavy showers less than an hour before the start time, but hard work by the ground staff, and with Selkirk's agreement on a reduced-overs game, things got under way at 3pm.

The game was 30 overs each, which is the fewest allowed under Border League rules.

Home captain Duncan Elliott won the toss and sent Selkirk in to bat.

Grant Kinghorn (5) was caught in the first over by Gregor Park off the bowling of Steve Johnstone.

John Everett (24) was dropped early, then smashed a good pair of sixes and a four, before going to a Gregor Park catch from the bowling of his brother Graham.

Selkirk struggled from then on and Greg Fenton (10) was the only other to reach double figures, and the visitors were eventually all out for 52 in 29 overs.

In the Langholm bowling Elliott had 3 for 15 and Johnstone 2 for 9, with Graham Park 2 for 20.

Colin Turk and Graham Park opened for Langholm and reached 27 in five overs.

With the threat of rain Graham Park went for quick runs and cracked a two, then four sixes, off four balls, to pass the Selkirk total. Graham Park finished with 49 not out and Turk one not out, with Langholm on 54 in six overs.

z Selkirk are back at Philiphaugh this weekend in a double derby duel with neighbours Gala. Tomorrow the two teams face each other in the Border League (1.30pm) while on Sunday the age-old rivals play a Border 20/20 Cup showdown. Then, on Tuesday, the Souters are back in 20/20 action when they play host to southerly neighbours Hawick.