REDBOURN produced another outstanding batting display on Saturday but were forced to settle for a draw.

Defending 278 thanks to half-centuries from Gary Sandford, George Naismith, Chris Godfrey and Daniel Roe, Redbourn failed to bowl out Southgate Adelaide and missed out on taking a maximum 25 points and closing the gap with the top teams.

Having won the toss and decided to bat first at the Walker Ground, Sandford and Naismith opened the batting and put up 50 and 85 respectively.

William Hayes only added three runs but Godfrey and Roe, at four and five, attacked the bowling, smashing the ball all over the ground. Roe eventually fell having scored 50 runs.

Roe batted on, partnering Ben Roe (9) and James Bunce (1no) on his way to posting 64 runs. By the end of the innings, Redbourn declared on 278 runs after 47 overs, giving them more time to bowl out Southgate Adelaide.

It was not to be, though, as the hosts’ openers, James Peacock (26) and Martyn Chandler (45) saw off the opening attack, setting up a resolute batting performance from the order.

Middle order contributions from Liam Farrell (39), Liam Kenna (63) and Richard Ellwood (34) kept the scoreboard ticking over as Southgate Adelaide frustrated Redbourn.

Late wickets made the game closer but Southgate Adelaide batted out their 53 allotted overs to secure a draw. For Redbourn, Daniel Darvell finished with figures of 4-75, Daniel Roe took three wickets and Jon Fleming chipped in with a single scalp.

Redbourn welcome Chipperfield Clarendon to the Common on Saturday, 1pm start.