Redbourn’s batting order failed to fire in a 34-run loss to Northchurch on Saturday.

Chasing a meagre 135 at Redbourn Common, only one of the host’s batsmen scored more than 20 runs and they fell to a third loss of the season.

Skipper Ben Roe opted to bowl first and it paid dividends early when Alex Salter had Werner Labuschagne (1) caught by Gary Sandford.

Opener Mark Hobley (18) and Steve Bateman (17) steered Northchurch away from danger before both fell in quick succession. George Liveing (28) and Sam Bateman (30) rebuilt the innings, taking Northchurch to 96-3 and putting them on course for a big score.

However, Tom Whyte skittled them both before 100 was up and then Redbourn took the next four wickets while giving up only 36 runs.

Redbourn’s innings got off to a similar start to Northchurch’s as an opener, Sandford (9), went early before a revival of sorts.

Ben Roe (23) did the majority of the run-scoring but there was little he could do to stop the rot as Redbourn lost regular wickets. When he was caught by Steve Bateman off Darren James’ delivery, the innings unravelled.

James, who took seven wickets, was too much for the tail to handle and Redbourn succumbed for 101 all out.