HCPCL Division One Reading 129-10 (50.2) Radlett 135-2 (20.2) THE return of Middlesex player Gareth Berg and the ruthless batting of Steve Lowe lifted Radlett to a convincing eight wicket victory over Reading at Cobden Hill in the Home Counties Premier Cricket League

HCPCL Division One

Reading 129-10 (50.2) Radlett 135-2 (20.2)

THE return of Middlesex player Gareth Berg and the ruthless batting of Steve Lowe lifted Radlett to a convincing eight wicket victory over Reading at Cobden Hill in the Home Counties Premier Cricket League Division One on Saturday.

Reading skipper David Barnes won the toss and decided to bat first. Radlett Skipper Burger could not have been more delighted to have Berg back as the two of them bowled a fantastic opening spell of bowling which had Reading in a spot of bother at 26 for 3 after 16 over's, Berg picking up 2 wickets for only 9 runs in his 8 over's.

Burger carried on from the other end and it was the turn of Rob Watson who made an immediate impression by picking up the wicket of the Reading overseas player the very first ball he faced. Burger said: "Rob has been bowling really well for us this season. He replaced Gareth who has been on duty for Middlesex but has really taken his chance and is now and important member of the team."

It was then the turn of Paul Barker, fresh from his five wickets against Slough the previous week, to turn the screws on the Reading innings. He along with Robbie Crocker bowled one of the best spells of spin bowling seen at Cobden Hill for a while. The two of them toiled away on a wicket which did not favour spin at all and bowled with fantastic accuracy and control. Barker finished with figures of 4 for 28 in his 13.2 overs and said: "I am really enjoying my cricket at Radlett, the atmosphere is great and the energy and pride the boys showed in the field helped me out a lot. I owe a few of my wickets to Robbie Crocker as he applied so much pressure from the other end and we bowled really well in partnership."

The innings ended with a run out from a great piece of fielding by Felix Walker as Reading were bowled out for 129.

Radlett's chase got off to a bad start with Rob Smith bowled by the first ball of the innings. James Lewis was soon to follow and Radlett were 25 for 2. Steve Lowe and skipper Burger then put on a 110 run partnership in less than 20 overs. Lowe batted as if he was a man possessed and made sure that the 25 points were in the bag before tea. He cleared the rope no less than four times and batted quicker than a run a ball. Fittingly Lowe finished the game with a towering six over square leg and ended on an unbeaten 82. Radlett are away to Banbury this Saturday and will look to make it three wins on the bounce.