The 1st XI kept their impressive unbeaten run going on Saturday with another comfortably victory over Stevenage. Their opponents, bowling first, made a couple of early breakthroughs, but that brought Shane Burger to the crease to join Fraser Crawford and they set about dominating the attack. Both made centuries in a double century 3rd wicket partnership - Crawford made 120 with Burger just behind, making 116. When all was said and done the pair had contributed 85% of the team total of 279 for 6. Stevenage never came close to threatening the target in response. Robert Clements was simply too hot to handle as he plundered 6-25 from 8 overs. Burger also added a couple of wickets as Stevenage were dismissed for a disappointing 121, defeated by a massive 158 runs. Clements must clearly like bowling against Stevenage. His club best figures of 7-35 came from the same fixture two seasons ago!

At 15-5 the 2nd XI looked dead and buried in their fixture against Preston. It took a blistering knock of 84 from opener Joe Cooke and some steadfast resistance from the lower order to get Radlett to a half-way competitive score of 129. Even this total looked way short of a defendable target. However, in a dramatic turn of events Neil Lederman put together a spell of swing bowling that defied belief. He tore through the Preston line-up, seemingly at will, taking 8 wickets for 24 runs from 13.1 overs. Just three Preston batsmen reached double figures as the side were dismissed for 58. Somehow Radlett had won by a comfortable 71 run margin. The result left captain Daniel Foster "buzzing to get another win", albeit considerably shorter in the pocket now he has to deliver on the drink-buying promises made earlier in the day.

Not to be outdone the 3rd XI repeated a similar feat against Clifton. Batting first on a sticky wicket Radlett's total of 98 appeared to be well short of par. However, in difficult conditions the performances of skipper, Shamit Nathwani (27), and Phil Cooper (27*) cannot be overstated. Clifton would still need to bat well to win this match. However, what they couldn't control was the quality of Radlett's opening bowlers. Ben Lederman and Ross Carpenter both put in top drawer performances with figures of 4-9 and 5-37 respectively, as the opposition crumbled under the pressure. They eventually capitulated for 67 - some 31 runs short of the target. Another fantastic win for Radlett. This was proving quite a day for the clubs bowlers.

We're told that lighting never strikes the same place twice. How about three times? The answer, courtesy of the 4th XI - nearly, but not quite. Radlett again were batting first against Rickmansworth II and again posted an under par total - 138 all out, despite sterling work from Ben Wolpe who came out of retirement to post 40 in the middle order. Some tight bowling (Ajay Gupta with 3-17 and Anje Lague with 2-11 the stand-outs) and great fielding (7 out of 8 catches held, including a couple of beauties by Darren Fabray) kept Radlett in the hunt throughout. Sadly a composed 45* from the opposition no.6 proved just enough to get Rickmansworth over the line by the narrowest of margins - 1 wicket.

The 5th XI were considerably under strength against Preston III with just 9 players to call upon, including another two debutants from the women's squad - Alexis Mannion and Katie Pankhurst. Mannion proved to be the best performer with Radlett batting first. Her 36 not out emphasized her ability with the willow. However, she would eventually run out of partners as the team stuttered to 105 all out. Defending such a low total while playing two short was always going to be an impossible task. Arif Rahman was able to take 2 Preston wickets and Pankhurst put her hand up for further inclusion in men's cricket with a tidy spell of economical seam bowling - her 6 overs going for just 9 runs. However, the opposition coasted home in the 24th over to win by 8 wickets.

On Sunday the Women's Team was involved in Super 8's action (8-a-side twenty-20 for the unitiated). They split a double header with one defeat against St Lawrence, and a win against East Herts. The St Lawrence defeat was a bitter pill to swallow, but the side did well to bounce back against East Herts despite an injury late-on to captain Kanchana Morris, which left the team defending whilst a player short. In truth, this will go down as a weekend to forget for the women's section with too many dropped catches and a lack of confident run scoring (Sam Battman's composed 40 in the second match not included), but they will learn the lessons and be a stronger unit for it as a result.

As ever the matches are coming thick and fast in our Juniors section. In a week for the batsmen, some notable performances include Abhay Hirani's 32 not out for the U12A's, Freddie Wright's rearguard 31 not out for the U13A's in defeat against Harpenden, a great partnership between Saul Kaye (43*) and George Lawrence (52*) as the U14A's dispatched Knebworth, and 26 not out from Will Withyman in a closely fought U15 victory, also versus Harpenden.

Dear Members and Parents,

As a result of feedback and in the knowledge that many parents are still intending to book their children on these courses, we have extended the discount period to May 31st. This should allow a little more time for members to take advantage of the 10% reduction for early bookings.

Weeks 3 & 4 in particular are filling up fast so please secure your child's place by clicking here:
https://radlettcc.secure-club.com/pages/page_23867/YP-Course-Info-2013.aspx

Thanks,

Debbie Pepper
Tel: 07881 823201
Email: courses@radlettcc.com

Dear Members

With only a week until the big day, I am delighted to be able to tell you, that for those of you who haven’t already purchased ground entry tickets, these are now available from behind the bar.

Those of you that have already booked them, your tickets are also now available for collection from behind the bar.

As a reminder, entry is free to Middlesex members but all Radlett members (and non-members) are required to purchase the appropriate ticket, which are priced at: 
Adult £15, o65 £8, u16 £5. Please note that u15s should be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets can be purchased on the gate on the day. The gates will open at 12.15pm and the match starts: 1.45pm.  The tea interval is between innings at 4.25pm and scheduled close of play is 7.25pm.

As you know the organisation and control of the event is in the hands of Middlesex and as such I need to make you aware of the Ground Regulations that are applicable on the day:

PARKING:             
Is available in Salter’s Field. For access, please follow the signs along Watling Street.

The fee per car is £5, discounted to £3 for Middlesex members.

Blue badge parking is available in the Players & Officials Car Park ie the normal public car park from 12.30pm.  Please call Julie Blakesley with your car registration number on 020 7289 1300 to reserve your space.

PEDESTRIANS:     
Access is via the main entrance on Cobden Hill.

SEATING:              
There will be a number of folding chairs provided, free of charge, around the ground but please do bring your own with you if you would prefer.

ALCOHOL:            
Alcohol is permitted to be brought into the ground for this match but must not exceed four cans of beer/lager or one 75cl bottle of wine per person.

The Public Bars will close approximately 10 minutes or 3 overs before the close of play.  All drinks sold in these bars will be dispensed in plastic glasses only. Drinks such as Magners will be served in two glasses.

FAMILY TICKET:  
Please note that 2 adults and 2 children must be present upon production of a Family Ticket when entering the ground.  Should this not be possible please let us know in advance by calling Julie Blakesley on 020 7289 1300.

RADLETT MEMBERS:         
The Pavilion is open to all Middlesex and Radlett members.  Radlett members will be required to show their Membership Discount Card to the Stewards to gain entry. Unfortunately due to restrictions on space, on this occasion, members will not be able to introduce guests to the pavilion.

Members Lunch will be available from Seaton Catering in the Pavilion as soon as the Players & Officials have finished their meals.

There will also be other food outlets and bars around the ground for those members who have guests with them or choose not to use the pavilion facilities.

You are very welcome to bring your own food into the ground and pavilion. Again due to space restrictions there will be limited seating inside the pavilion but there will be an outside seating area, with tables and chairs, for members immediately in front of the pavilion.

TOILETS:               
Toilet facilities, including disabled access, will be available at a number of points around the ground.

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS:   
There is wheelchair access to the disabled toilet in the pavilion but there will not be any designated wheelchair seating area.

DOGS:                   
With the exception of Guide Dogs, dogs are not allowed onto the ground or in the pavilion.

REFUND POLICY:           
If play does not take place, or is restricted to 10 overs or less, with no result being obtained, a full refund of the face value (or RCC Members’ discounted value) of the ticket, less a £1 Administration Charge is available.

Look forward to seeing you on the day

Tony Johnson

Unbeaten in pre-season Jono Mclean's 1st XI entered their first HCPCL fixture full of confidence and it showed in the field as they dismissed Bishops Stortford for just 149 runs. Kabir Toor, playing in his first game of the season, was the pick of a strong 6-man attack, taking 4 wickets. Matt Corran and Chad Barrett claimed 2 wickets apiece. Radlett made hard work of the run chase and despite a number of batsmen making a start no-one was able to really stamp their authority on the innings. Man-of-the-match Toor provided a much needed anchoring innings in the middle order - top scoring with 36 not out. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals Radlett reached their target with overs to spare to record a 3 wicket win.

Dan Foster won the toss against Wheathampstead and elected to field first. The opposition made a strong start and were sitting pretty at 167-2 before the 2nd XI staged an excellent fight back. The key to this was fine bowling from Neil Lederman and Simeon Cohen who's figures of 2-59 and 3-45 respectively pegged Wheathampsted to a total of 213-6. Radlett's reply got off to a terrible start. At 17-4 the situation looked bleak. Only Andre Sharma (29) and John Armitage were able to offer any resistance. Armitage's fall after a battling half century was the final nail in the coffin. The 2's were dismissed for 127 - beaten by 86 runs.

In stark contrast the 3rd XI made light work of their encounter with Old Cholmeleians II. Bowling first Zahur Gitay was again on imperious form and bagged another 4 wickets to add to his club leading 2013 tally. He was ably supported by Ross Carpenter (3-35) and skipper Shamit Nathwani (2-12) as the opposition were skittled for just 83 runs. It took just 19 overs for Radlett to reach their low target for the loss of 3 wickets. Thirty points in the bag, but there will be tougher tests to come.

4th XI skipper Colin Warne was able to call upon two of the clubs best female players for the fixture versus Great Gaddesdon and Hayley Arrol and Anje Lague performed creditably. Both were among the wickets as Radlett, fielding first, dismissed their opponents for 191. In fact all 7 bowlers used took at least one wicket - Dominic Ingram the pick with 3-15. A fifty partnership between Warne and club chairman, Tony Johnson for the third wicket put Radlett in a good position, but Johnson's dismissal for 30 and a sluggish subsequent run rate meant the chance of victory slipped away. Warne was eventually dismissed for 79 - his second consecutive half century, but Radlett held on for a draw.

On Sunday the poor overnight weather put paid to a mouth-watering, top of the table WCSL clash between the Radlett Women and Shepperton.

The Juniors continue to post impressive results in the early part of the 2013 season. The U15s, U14B's and U12B's all recorded good wins, but the most notable mention has to go to the U11A's who dismissed their opponents, Leverstock Green, for just 24 runs. Dylan Gunasekera starred with fantastic figures of 3-3. Openers Charlee Eve-Raw and James Hyland were untroubled in picking off the runs for a 10 wicket win.

Sports Injury Treatment, Massage and Therapy at Radlett Cricket Club.

Our 2^nd Team Captain Dan Foster is a Qualified Sports Therapist and is fully trained to assess, treat and rehabilitate injuries of all forms.    

As well as Sports Injury Treatment Dan and his team of highly qualified professionals offer Sports Massages & Holistic Treatments including Aromatherapy, Indian Head Massages and Swedish relaxation massages.

His company SQUARE ONE – Sports & Holistic Therapy, are offering you as a Radlett Cricket Club Member some fantastic offers that you can use throughout the year.

      Have 5 Sports Massages for the price of 4. (once per client) £25 per 30 minute session.

      Injury Assessment and 3 sessions of treatment for £60 (normal price £115)

      20% OFF ALL Holistic Treatments

Dan is always at training on a Tuesday Night and if you need any treatment for those ‘niggles’ after the weekend then let him know and he will be more than happy to treat you before,during or after training.  His team can also travel to you if necessary (at a cost) otherwise their clinic is based in St Albans.

If you want more information on what SQUARE ONE – Sports & Holistic Therapy can offer you please visit www.squareonetherapy.co.uk or contact Dan on 07957773204.

Half centuries from Shane Burger, Tom Jenkins and Yasir Mughal helped the 1st XI reach a competitive total of 254 for 4 in their final pre-season friendly against Winchmore Hill on Saturday. While the opposition put up a good fight in chasing their target they lost wickets at regular intervals and were ultimately dismissed 14 runs short. Stuart Browne was the pick of the bowlers with 2-23 from his 8 overs.

For the rest of the mens teams it was the beginning of their league campaigns.

The 2nd XI were away at Leverstock Green and had elected to field first having won the toss. While the opposition openers threatened to cut loose they were eventually pegged back by the trio of Robin Willis, Jason Lewis and skipper, Dan Foster. Lewis finished with 4-52 - a day for the spinners. Chasing a very gettable 185 Radlett started well with David Robinson on fluent form. However, his dismissal for 51 was the culmination of a mid-innings wobble, but it brought John Armitage to the crease and he was able to open his shoulders and batter a rapid 87 off 44 balls. This powerful innings brought Radlett safely home for a 5 wicket win.

Sadly the 3rd XI were unable to keep the run going. Rob Millard and Hemal Malde where the only batsmen to exceed 20 as Radlett stuttered to 112 all out against Wheathampsted II. A disciplined bowling and fielding performance made the opposition work hard for their runs, but it was always going to be an incredibly difficult total to defend. A couple of late wickets helped Zahur Gitay to figures of 3-29, but it was not to be for Radlett. Wheathampsted took the 30 points by 6 wickets.

The 4's also had a disappointing outing at Potters Bar. Batting first Radlett got off to a shaky start, but skipper Colin Warne continued in his rich vein of form and steadied the ship in the middle order with 55. Some entertaining cameo's from the likes of Darren Fabray and Alan Armitage hauled the side up to a total of 183. In reply a solid 3rd wicket stand built the foundation for the Potters Bar run chase and despite 3 wickets from Mihir Kapadia, Radlett slipped to a 5 wicket defeat.

On Sunday the women were in NLCL action against Hemel Hempstead. Having lost the toss Radlett were put into bat - a decision the opposition were soon regretting. In her first innings for the club Anna Harris played with a level of confidence and technique that belied her age. With in-form Sophie Khaihra in partnership the pair put on a century 2nd wicket stand. Harris would carry her bat through the innings to finish 109 not out - the team 166 for 3 from 30. In reply Radlett picked up an early run out, but Hemel's 2nd wicket stand also looked dangerous. However, Laura Gurney uprooted the middle stump of the second opener and Katie Pankhurst's direct hit from the covers dismissed the other big danger. From there wickets fell regularly, including a superb diving catch from Pankhurst off Lorraine Hartley's tidy off spin. Hemel limped to 93 for 9 by the close. Another fantastic win for the girls.

The highlight from the junior section was a thumping 10 wicket win for the U14A's versus local rivals, Shenley Village. Chasing a modest Shenley total of 90, openers George Lawrence and Saul Kaye made light work of the task at hand. Kaye's 52 not out was his first half century for the club.

Dear Members,

On Saturday night (4th May), Jono McLean and the 1st XI invite you to the "Opening Night" party in the pavilion to mark the official start of the Radlett Cricket Club 2013 season. The lads have decided on a Mexican theme for the party, so sombreros and ponchos will be the order of the day. Those turning up appropriately attired will get a free shot of tequila (assuming they meet age requirements of course!).

The party will start at 19:30 following the conclusion of the 1st XI match versus Winchmore Hill. Of course you are all more than welcome to arrive earlier than that to watch the game and enjoy a drink.

Dinner, consisting of chili con carne and tacos, will be served from around 20:00 and will be priced at a very reasonable £5.

It all promises to be a great night and we look forward to seeing you there.

Katie
(on behalf of Jono and the 1st XI)

The 1st and 2nd XI were involved again in friendly action on Saturday against Welwyn Garden City. However, there was an unwelcome return of what we all saw far too much of last season ... rain! This led to an abandonment of the 1st XI fixture, but not before the Shane Burger had taken 4 wickets in helping bowl out the opposition for 250. The chase was on with Fraser Crawford approaching his ton and Burger about to claim another half century when the heavens opened and the Radlett reply was curtailed at 170 for 1.

The 2nd XI were able to play out a result before the heavy rain came, and a great result at that. In a 40 over match WGC where restricted to 184 for 7 and solid contributions from the entire top order brought Radlett home and (just about) dry with 9 balls to spare. Opener Robin Willis top scored with 65 and his partner Colin Warne made 41 during a great 1st wicket stand.

Playing on Sunday the women got the better of the weekend weather and really made the most of it. Despite a very early start Kanchana Morris' NLCL side were quick out of the blocks against Underhill. Fielding first they played textbook cricket with fantastic contributions from everyone in the field and a varied and penetrative bowling attack which included figures of 2-0 for Lorraine Hartley. Underhill had no answers and where dismissed for just 76. Sophie Khaihra starred with the bat as she made 32 and Radlett eased home for the loss of just 2 wickets and plenty of time to spare.

Records tumbled in the afternoon WCSL fixture against Harold Wood. Put into bat Alexis Mannion had joined opener Hannah Smith at the crease with the scoreboard on 16 for 1. They then spent the next 39 overs putting the opposition to the sword and seldom looked threatened as they dispatched the ball to all parts of the ground. Their 240 run unbeaten partnership is the highest in the history of women's cricket at Radlett, marked the first time two players had made centuries in a single innings, and the final total of 256 for 1 is also the highest on record. The Harold Wood reply started sluggishly and only briefly offered any resistance to a concerted bowling attack. Skipper, Hayley Arrol, finished with best figures of 3-12 as the opposition were dismissed for 80. The result - a massive 176 run win. Yes, you guessed it - another record!

In Junior Cricket Radlett recorded good wins in the U11B, U12B and U14B categories with James Hyland's 31 not out against Shenley Village the pick of some quality all round performances by our young players this week.

Dear Member, (Sorry to re-send - there was a typo on the pricing)
 
We are delighted to announce the dates for our Young Player Summer Courses for 2013. Our Professional Coach, Shane Burger, is returning for his 10th year of leading this coaching program and we look forward to welcoming so many local boys and girls again this year.

The courses are open to existing YP members and non-members alike so please refer to friends, family or neighbours who might want to book their place.

Course Dates & Times:

Week 1 -15 July to 19 July
Week 2 - 22 July to 26 July
Week 3 - 29 July to 2 August
Week 4 - 5 August to 9 August
10.00am till 4.00pm - Monday to Friday

Course Information:

• Age range: 6 to 13 years
• Each Friday is presentation day for each child that complete the full 5 Day course
• Program is led by ECB Level 2 Qualified Coaches with full DBS accreditation (Disclosure & Barring Service checks)

Prices (before 19th May) - 10% Discount on all full week rates:

• Currently £135 per week per child (£150 per week from 20^th May)
• 10% discount for an additional sibling i.e. £121.50)
• 10% discount for additional weeks booked (i.e. £121.50 for a single child and £109.35 for an additional sibling)

Please click here to link through to the website where you can secure your places on your chosen weeks.

If you have questions or seek further information please contact Debbie Pepper on 07881 823201 or courses@radlettcc.com.

Best Regards,


Nick Fielden
Director of Cricket
Radlett Cricket Club