Best knock from Mauder is not enough to win thriller

Division Seven Redbourn II 217-10 (53) Old Cholmeleians 218-6 (46.3) REDBOURN II were involved in another last over thriller in Division Seven, this time at home against Old Cholmeleians. Redbourn were put in on a green wicket and a fairly slow outfield

Division Seven

Redbourn II 217-10 (53) Old Cholmeleians 218-6 (46.3)

REDBOURN II were involved in another last over thriller in Division Seven, this time at home against Old Cholmeleians.

Redbourn were put in on a green wicket and a fairly slow outfield but Dave Smith got off to good start hitting several boundaries. Fellow opener Will Dudley was dismissed for 7 but Matt Cramer pushed the score past 50. When Cramer was bowled off his pads for 20 skipper Antony Mauder came in and looked in good touch from the start.

Smith (38) was caught in the deep trying to break free with the score on 125. A total of 230 seemed to be a good score to aim for but the next four Redbourn fell without making the contribution required. Mauder was joined by Martin Benfield and as the 200 mark approached Mauder was bowled for a season best 72. Benfield (19 not out) made sure the 53 overs were used up with Redbourn finishing on 217 all out.

In reply Redbourn got off to great start when, starting with the old ball, spinner Dan Darvell took the wicket off Cholmeleians best bat, Whybrow, thanks to a smart leg side catch by keeper Graeme Smyth.

At the other end Dan Thatcher was bowling with great pace, beating the bat on multiple occasions putting the batsmen under a lot of pressure. Benfield bowled the other opener but after that Cholmeleians took back control with a big score from Jaleel and support from Dickens (34).

With Cholmeleians cruising to victory Jamie Doherty (4 for 26) removed both Dickens and Jaleel (98). Thatcher was back on the other end making life very uncomfortable for the new bats but Chomeleians kept up the run rate and an edge to square leg saw them reach 218 for 6 to win with three balls to spare.

Division 13 champions Redbourn III finished off the season in impressive style with a convincing win at home to Baldock III.

Bowling first Redbourn were soon in control with Simon Emmins taking 4 for 15 and Geoff Bassill 3 for 15. Robin Mauder took a wicket and at 38 for 8 Baldock were looking at a very embarrassing end to the season. They showed great spirit to add another 50 runs, but Jim Lee taking his 49th wicket of the season and Jack 'Tumble' Dyer taking the final wicket had Baldock all out for 90.

In reply, skipper John Pritchard batted well, as he has done all season. There was an initial panic when three quick early wickets fell but Rik Badpie (17 not out) provided steady support as Pritchard (48 not out) steered Redbourn to 91 for 3 off 20 overs.

Pritchard said: "The aim this season was to obtain promotion while giving several junior players experience of senior cricket. That objective has been achieved with style.