Division Four Radlett III 172-10 (53.0) Redbourn 136-10 (45.0) REDBOURN fell to their first defeat of the 2008 season following a poor batting display against Radlett III on Saturday. Visitors Radlett won the toss, and chose to bat first

Division Four

Radlett III 172-10 (53.0) Redbourn 136-10 (45.0)

REDBOURN fell to their first defeat of the 2008 season following a poor batting display against Radlett III on Saturday.

Visitors Radlett won the toss, and chose to bat first on a wicket that had been covered, but was green and damp.

The first wicket fell at 33, courtesy of a fine stumping by Gary Sandford off the bowling of the miserly Jon Fleming. Fine catches by Darren Bassill and Dan Roe off Fleming and Faisal Khan respectively, then saw Radlett reduced further to 36 for 3 with dangerous opener Dominic Ingram dismissed for 21.

Redbourn continued to dominate and Geoff Tookey took a catch off Fleming (3 for 30 off 15 overs) and Dan Roe instigated a run out, reducing Radlett to 96 for 5.

The momentum shifted as Radlett's Simon Gray hit back with a fine controlled innings and his 55 from 121 balls proved to be the cornerstone of his side's innings. Lee Fortis (28) supported well and with Ian 'Oz' Edwards (18) and impressive pair Nick Tune (12) and Toby Sutherland (8 not out) showing their worth Radlett were able to push on and post a competitive total of 172 all out in 53 overs. Faisal Khan took 3 for 47 off 21 overs with his controlled off spin and Darren Bassill (2 for 60) also bowled well.

Redbourn were confident of winning the chase but they lost two early wickets as Hassit Mehta struck twice with the new ball for Radlett.

Redbourn opener Simon Osman was undeterred and in partnership with Geoff Tookey (17), they took the score to 73. Tookey's wicket precipitated a collapse, as he was soon followed back to the pavilion by Osman for a well made 43, and wicketkeeper Sandford, as Redbourn were reduced to 80 for 5. Josh Rose helped swing the game for Radlett with two consecutive unplayable deliveries yielding two wickets.

With Bassill departing shortly after, it was left to Ben Roe and Faisal Khan to set about the recovery. Just as Redbourn looked as if they were getting back into the game, a misunderstanding led to Roe being unfortunately run out for 22. Khan battled on for an unbeaten 15, but this could not prevent his side from falling to defeat, as David Wright was run out and the subsequent loss of tail-enders Thatcher, who batted gamely, and Fleming, meant that Redbourn were all out for 136 with just one over remaining. Radlett skipper Iain 'Eddo' Edwards was involved the two key runs out and some quite beautifully intimidating bowling from Fortis (4-47 from 19 overs) helped secure a fine Radlett win thanks in the end to Sutherland's catch in the penultimate over.

The 10 points earned from a decent bowling performance were sufficient to keep Redbourn top of Division Four, but skipper Dan Roe was not best pleased. He said: "Radlett bowled well, but we should have been able to chase down 172. Poor shots and some daft run outs have cost us dear. We're nearing the halfway stage of the season and at least we remain top. However, the chasing pack is closing in and we really need to get our batting back on track."

In Division Seven, Redbourn II had their match away at Hoddesdon III cancelled due to the rain.

Redbourn III bowled first in the local derby against Harpenden V in Division 13 on Saturday.

Tom Cridland bowled well to take 4-14 and was well supported by George Naismith in his second spell finishing with 3-17. Harpenden's steady loss of wickets saw them all out for 103 in the 37th over. Andy Elledge top scored for Harpenden with 32.

In reply Redbourn lost just one wicket with Jack Dyer bowled for 12 by John Mihill. John Pritchard continuing this season's good form was joined by Andy Green (29 not out) and soon knocked off the remaining runs with Pritchard finishing on 48 not out.