Division Seven Flamstead 178-9 (53.0) Rickmansworth II 179-4 (44.1) FLAMSTEAD were defeated at home by Division Seven promotion contenders Rickmansworth II on Saturday. Skipper Andy Taylor lost the toss for the eighth time this season and Flamstead

Division Seven

Flamstead 178-9 (53.0) Rickmansworth II 179-4 (44.1)

FLAMSTEAD were defeated at home by Division Seven promotion contenders Rickmansworth II on Saturday.

Skipper Andy Taylor lost the toss for the eighth time this season and Flamstead were asked to bat first on a pitch that had dried out enough for a prompt start.

Taylor and David Bradbury put on 75 for the first wicket off 25 overs, the best opening pairing of the summer for Flamstead.

The introduction of spinners put Flamstead in trouble with Bradbury (19) gone and Mike Bradbeer LBW for a duck.

Taylor (54) fought on with Matt Brown as they took the score to 127. With their overs running out, Flamstead struggled against the spin of Zaf (4-63 off 17 overs) and the medium pace of Cookie (1-26 off 9 overs).

Matt Brown (61 not out) battled away for 24 overs and guided Flamstead to a respectable 178-9.

With the pitch drying out, conditions were considerably easier after tea and the visitors made a safe start. Tim Wilkinson (2-33 off 14 overs) struck and Stephen Wright (1-26 off 7.1 overs) took the next wicket but Rickmansworth opener Ibby ended undefeated on 70 as they sealed the win on 179-4 off 44.1 overs.

Flamstead skipper Taylor was disappointed with the defeat but buoyed by the spirit shown from his side. He said: "I felt we batted well on a damp pitch but if we could have managed another 20 runs or so and had a decent spinner in the side we would have stood a better chance of victory. Their opener batted well but was lucky to be bowled off a no ball from Jimmy Heatley when he was on about 50. I thought our bowlers all bowled well without much luck."

Flamstead travel to Hexton next week and will be looking to boost confidence with a return to winning ways.