Radlett start defence of title with a win
Harpenden's Richard Darwin bowls against Totteridge Millhillians. Picture: DANNY LOO - Credit: Archant
There were differing fortunes for Radlett and Harpenden cricket clubs as the Saracens Hertfordshire Cricket League Premier Division got underway.
Defending champions Radlett had the perfect start, picking up a 34 run victory away to Bishop’s Stortford.
However, Harpenden, who had finished third last time around, slumped to a defeat at home to Totteridge Millhillians.
Radlett’s win began in slightly shaky circumstances.
After winning the toss and electing to bat they lost opener Fraser Crawford for no score after just three balls.
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His partner Joe Cooke was doing his best to keep the innings going though, eventually finishing with a solid 62.
Around him wickets fell at regular intervals. New skipper Kabir Toor departed for four and Fakir Dunkaria and Martin Jones both left without troubling the scorer.
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They finally finished on 186-9 from their 50 overs. Henry Ramsden and Chris Thomas starred for Stortford with the ball picking up 3-37 and 2-32 respectively.
In reply Stortford looked to be going along perfectly.
Ramsden would also be the hosts star with the bat, top scoring with 58, and when he departed the square, Stortford were 108-3.
The next departure was Dominic Chatfield with Bishop needing just 55 to win.
But the next six batsmen fell for just 20 runs. Jon-Jon Smuts and Daniel Foster were on fire in this period, grabbing two wickets each with run outs accounting for the remaining two.
Smuts finished on 3-34 with Foster claiming 2-19.
Harpenden though didn’t fare as well.
After winning the toss, Totteridge put up a total of 244-7 from their 50 overs. Peter Sogbodjor led the way with a wonderful 111 from 153 balls, which included 12 fours.
Nick Lamb and Ben Clements both landed two wickets each for the hosts.
In reply Harpenden started steadily. Lamb and Gregg Cooper put on 61 for the first wicket before Cooper and Clements continued the run chase.
However when Clements was caught and bowled by Mark Turner, with Harpenden at 106-3, it signalled a down turn in fortunes.
Scott Galloway’s swashbuckling 47 from 41 balls was not enough to stop the rot and Harpenden slumped to 190 all out.
Radlett face a repeat of last year’s play-off final against North Mymms while Harpenden travel to Potters Bar.
