Harpenden’s Ben Frazer has spoken of his pride at the number of young players being brought through by the club this season – despite their narrow defeat to Radlett in the semi-finals of the Saracens Hertfordshire Cricket League Playoffs.

The match was postponed on Saturday due to the heavy rain that affected most of Hertfordshire.

But with glorious sunshine bathing Cobden Hill the following day, Radlett were able to push past their near neighbours, reaching their target with just eight balls to spare.

And even though that ended Harpenden’s year, captain Frazer was still a relatively happy man.

He said: “I thought we had the game won with 11 overs to go. But they batted simply.

“I think we were a bit complacent but our youngsters have learnt some valuble lessons.

“We’ve had a 16-year-old George Garrett opening the bowling this year and an 18-year-old, Bryn Luffman, making his debut.

“Both came from our colts as have others like Harry Jospehs and Ed Washington. They’re all 18 and 19 so the future bodes well for us.”

That bright future will keep Frazer, now in his second spell as captain, at the helm for at least another year.

He added: “It was an easy decision; they are a great bunch of lads. That makes doing this job a lot easier.

“With these youngsters hopefully we can push on as a club. We are not far away from challenging clubs like Radlett.”

However, it is Radlett who will move on to Saturday’s final against Welwyn Garden City thanks to their four-wicket success.

Having won the toss and elected to bat, Harpenden didn’t get off to the greatest of starts.

They lost Jake Pankhurst after five balls and were 75-5 in the 21st over.

But partnerships of 49 between Frazer and Scott Galloway and 83 between Galloway and Simon White pulled them to 207-7.

They were eventually all out for 226, Galloway top scoring with 69.

In reply Radlett started solidly, moving to 104-2 at the midway point.

But when Kabir Toor was dismissed for 23, the hosts were on 135-5 and with the run rate approaching eight an over.

However, the young Harpenden side could not finish them off.

Ben Clements was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3-35.