Scorecard

Wheathampstead v Radlett CC 2nd XI on Sat 22 Jul 2006 at 13:30
Radlett CC Won 4 wickets

Match report Radlett won a tense match, whose character was totally changed by a lengthy interruption for rain that reduced the match to the minimum 40/34 overs-a-side allowed to constitute a league match.

Wheathampstead had been inserted on a slowish, low wicket in overcast conditions and moved to 36-1 off 13 overs when heavy rain forced the players from the pitch. Play recommenced after 80 minutes of rain and an early tea, and although the surface had drained well, the uncovered wicket was now providing pace and movement for Radlett’s opening bowlers Heath Paynter and Jim Lewis. Indeed, Lewis struck with the very first ball after the resumption, with Chaudry taking a smart low catch at slip.

Although Wheathampstead still had 27 overs of batting, they proceeded to play as if it were a 20twenty match, losing wickets regularly in a flurry of rash shots. Wickets would have fallen even more quickly if Radlett had held on to all their chances, the persevering Paynter being the main sufferer as half-a-dozen chances went begging. However, chances were being offered at regular intervals and, when the last man departed, caught in the deep off the last ball of the innings, Radlett fielders had taken eight catches in all, with Oz Edwards setting the standard with three well taken chances. Paynter had finally gained reward for good use of the damp wicket, bowling unchanged to take 4-79 off 20 overs. Jim Lewis, who had taken the first three wickets to fall, finished with 3-52 and Jim Chaudry bowled a vital last spell of 3-11 in six overs. Yogendra finished as the home side’s top scorer with 37.

The rain had returned in fits and starts towards the end of the first innings, but the neutral umpire deserved credit for resisting pressure to leave the pitch, which would have spelled the end of the game. And what a good game it turned out to be.

There was little hint of the tension to come as Chaudry and young Ashley Tillett took the score to 83 in the 16th over. However, opening bowler Razza was getting good movement from the still lively wicket, evidenced by a delivery that shattered young Tilletts box, and chances were being created, with both Chaudry and Tillett surviving dropped catches. After the customary hilarity at Tillett’s painful blow and the arrival of a replacement box, he played well in his first innings for the team, providing good support to the more experienced Chaudry, before lofting a catch into the outfield. Cue mayhem, as 83-1 became 96-5 in just five overs.

Great rejoicing greated the third ball dismissal of dangerman Akoojee, lbw on the back foot, followed quickly by Chaudry, bowled playing a high-risk reverse sweep to left-arm spinner Booth, just when a few overs retrenchment were required. Simon Randall, fresh from a 3rd XI century the previous week, was next to go, bowled by the excellent Razza, who then had Lewis caught at slip for 0 three balls later.

However, Brendan Hutchings was settling in well at the other end and partnered by the obdurate Robbie Crocker led the fight back. Hutchings had moved the score to 121 in the 27th over when he was dropped – a vital moment, as the score had moved on to 140 just three overs later when he was caught for 42. One over later it was all over, as Heath Paynter finished the game in style with a six, with three overs to spare, Robbie Crocker finishing with a well-made and vital 20 not out.

With all other matches surviving the rain, and all Radlett’s close rivals gaining maximum points, this was a vital win that maintains the team’s 2nd place in the League. Radlett still have to play all four teams directly below them, so some tough cricket is due in the final third of the season.

Radlett CC 2nd XI Batting
Player Name RunsMB4s6sSRCtStRo
extras
TOTAL :
 
for 6 wickets
0
155
(0.0 overs)		    
Jim Chaudry Bowled  55 1
Ashley Tillett Caught  26
Muhammad Akoojee Lbw  0
Brenden Hutchings Caught  42
Simon Randall Bowled  4 1
James Lewis Caught  0 1
Robbie Crocker Not Out  20 1
Heath Paynter Not Out  7
Ian 'Oz' Edwards   3
Colin Warne   1
Amjad Khan  

Wheathampstead Bowling

Player nameOversMaidensRunsWicketsAverageEconomy
No records to display.

Wheathampstead Batting
Player name Runs
extras
TOTAL :
 
for 10 wickets
0
154 (0.0 overs)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Radlett CC 2nd XI Bowling

Player NameOversMaidensRunsWicketsAverageEconomy
Heath Paynter20.0479419.753.95
James Lewis14.0052317.333.71
Jim Chaudry6.001133.671.83

  • Umpire :
    Austin Guest
  • Scorer :