Division Four Chipperfield 216-4 (53.0) Redbourn 183-8 (47.0) REDBOURN failed to cash in on a strong position as they had to settle for a draw at Chipperfield on Saturday in Division Four. Chipperfield won the toss, and chose to bat first

Division Four

Chipperfield 216-4 (53.0) Redbourn 183-8 (47.0)

REDBOURN failed to cash in on a strong position as they had to settle for a draw at Chipperfield on Saturday in Division Four.

Chipperfield won the toss, and chose to bat first on what was a very good batting track. Yet again Redbourn bowler Jon Fleming was in miserly form and engineered the breakthrough, when a catch was feathered to keeper Gary Sandford. The other opener also succumbed to Fleming courtesy of an LBW decision, as Chipperfield fell to 40 for 2.

Redbourn thought they had struck again, but an appeal for caught behind was turned down. This proved to be a pivotal moment in the match, as Hudson went on to make a good contribution in a third wicket stand of 97. Churchill batted circumspectly early on, but was soon taking advantage of the short straight boundary as he went on to make a fine unbeaten 123.

Ben Roe took two quick wickets towards the end of the innings, with assistance from Gary Sandford, who took his eighth stumping of the season. Despite Churchill's innings, Redbourn's bowlers had contained Chipperfield well enough as they ended on 216 for 4 off their allotted 53 overs.

In reply, Redbourn lost an early wicket, but Sandford and Ben Roe looked comfortable when they added 63 runs for the second wicket, before Roe was again run out for 33. Redbourn were cruising on 150 for 2, with Dan Roe and Sandford having added 73 runs for the third wicket. However, with Sandford caught for a well made 62 and Dan Roe falling straight after him for 41, Redbourn required a further 64 runs off nine overs to win.

Another unfortunate run out led to a dramatic collapse, as Redbourn lost four quick wickets. Faisal Khan and Dan Thatcher were left with no option but to bat out time, as Redbourn ended on 183 for 8, gaining just seven points for their efforts. Skipper Dan Roe was pleased with his side's efforts in the field, but the batting again came under fire. He said: "Either Gary or myself should have seen it through to the end and no doubt we would have won if we had. However, our batting towards the end of our innings was not up to scratch. It was a really good batting pitch and it was a game that we should have won.