REDBOURN II were second best in a draw away to Reed II in Division Seven on Saturday. As always skipper Anthony Mauder lost the toss and his side were duly put into the field on a stifling hot day

Division Seven

Reed II 261-5 (53) Redbourn II 159-6 (47)

REDBOURN II were second best in a draw away to Reed II in Division Seven on Saturday. As always skipper Anthony Mauder lost the toss and his side were duly put into the field on a stifling hot day with a flat wicket. Reeds top order batted well but were helped by some early wayward Redbourn bowling to race past 100 in 17 overs. Darvell and Thatcher (2 for 52) bowled well to bring the run rate down with Cridland (2 for 59) also bowling well at the death. Reed batted on and reached 261 for 5.

With the outfield no longer lightning fast and a defensive field considering the massive total Redbourn never looked like getting near their target. Jimmy Spiers opened with a solid 32 but four quick wickets put Redbourn under pressure. Mauder and Dave Wright (27) batted safely but it was Reeds lack of innovation and risk taking, even though a defeat was almost impossible, that allowed Redbourn to survive. Mauder finished 56 not out with Redbourn 160 for 6 and the skipper said: "The start to the season has been disappointing, our bowlers need to work on basic line and length and a few of our top order batsmen need to get in the nets this week."

Redbourn II had earlier endured a poor start to the season in Division Seven as they missed their top four batsmen at home against St Albans III.

On a damp wicket Redbourn were bowled out for a measly 55. In reply Pete Cridland got Redbourn back in the match with two wickets, and a good fielding from Jack Dyer and Dave Wright produced a run out leaving St Albans three down.

Redbourn missed the opportunity to strike further and St Albans cruised home on 56-3 in the 22nd over.

RCC III defeated hosts OA IV in the first match of their season on Saturday. Wickets were shared amongst Godfrey, Emmins, and Everly as OAs used up all 47 overs to reach 135 for 9.

In reply Jack Dyer made a good start scoring 17. The rest of the innings turned out to be significantly shorter than expected as Matt Cramer smashed 70 off 30 balls and with Pritchard finishing 27 not out Redbourn reached their target on 136-1 in just 17.2 overs.