Redbourn in danger of being sucked into relegation battle

SHL Division Two

Flitwick 200-7

Redbourn 102

Flitwick win by 98 runs

REDBOURN fell to a disappointing defeat on Saturday at the hands of Flitwick. Bowling first, Redbourn struggled to apply early pressure in helpful conditions and too many loose deliveries allowed Flitwick’s openers to race to a hundred partnership in just 22 overs. Ahmed Faiz was the pick of the opening bowlers and was unfortunate not to have picked up a wicket with 3 catches going down off his bowling. Despite this he was on hand to take the catch as Ben Roe made the first breakthrough, having opener Underwood caught for 64. It was the introduction of Ben and Dan Roe that brought Redbourn back into the game as they slowed the scoring down and picked up a couple of wickets apiece as Flitwick struggled to make the most of their flying start. Unfortunately for Redbourn, Dan Roe suffered a side strain after bowling 10 overs and had to end his spell having taken two wickets for just 23 runs. He was replaced by Jon Fleming (2-44) who after a disappointing opening spell bowled much tighter and picked up 2 wickets, including that of opener Ferguson for a gritty 77. Faiz (1-59) was also brought back into the attack and was rewarded for his good spell earlier with Gary Sandford taking yet another sharp stumping. With 4 overs remaining Flitwick made the bold move of declaring, setting Redbourn a target of 201 for victory.

Things didn’t start well for Redbourn in their run chase, with opener Gary Sandford caught at gully without scoring, but Simon Osman and Toby Ascroft looked in good touch in taking the score to 35 before Osman was caught and Ascroft bowled soon after. From there on Redbourn struggled to get going as leg spinner Silva (6-19) worked his way through the middle order as number of batsman perished trying to attack the bowling. They were not helped by the injury to Roe who had to drop down the order from his usual number 3 position and was clearly still struggling with his injury when his time came to bat. Only 4 batsmen made it into double figures with a top score of 16 as Redbourn were all out for just 102 to lose by 98 runs.

Redbourn are now in danger of being dragged into a relegation battled and entertain Reed on Saturday looking for win to keep clear of the bottom of the table.

Youngsters George Naismith and Jack Dyer put in exceptional performances on Sunday as they batted all the way through Redbourn’s innings in their match against Bovingdon. In what is believed to be the highest ever opening partnership for the club, 16 year olds Naismith and Dyer racked up 257 runs in just 36 overs. Naismith scored his maiden senior hundred and ended on 133 not out, while Dyer was 92 not out, another personal best. In reply Bovingdon were able to hold out for the draw as they ended on 216/9, with Andy Finch being the pick of the bowlers with 2/14 from 7 overs.