Redbourn fall nine runs short of re-igniting promotion challenge

Redbourn fell agonisingly short of getting their season back on track at Knebworth Park 2s on Saturday.

Chasing 171, knocks of 30 from Chris Yorath and 34 from skipper Dan Roe had Redbourn on track to pick up their first win since July 4. Their reply stuttered, though, and regular wickets saw the innings close on 162, 10 runs shy of victory.

Redbourn’s recent run of form, which has seen them lose two and draw two of their last four games, has seen them fall from top spot in Saracens Herts Division Three A to seventh. They are 47 points off leaders North Enfield with four games left but also only 36 ahead of the bottom two.

The bowling attack put them in a good position to invigorate their challenge for a promotion spot after bowling out Knebworth for 171.

Archie Stephens and Mark Winchester guided Park away from danger with a 47-run stand for the second wicket after Alex Salter clean bowler Thomas Liversidge for a duck.

Winchester anchored the top of the order while losing wickets at the other end. When Ben Roe finally bowled him from a team-leading 48, Park were 103-5.

Ross Courtney and Ed Wright added 25 each and Brett Painter staged a 12-run push at the end of the innings to set Redbourn a target of 172 runs for victory.

Redbourn’s batsmen got good starts but none could push on and make a match-winning total as regular wickets fell.