Scorecard

Henley v Radlett CC 1st XI on Sat 31 May 2003 at
Match was Drawn

Match report Radlett impressive start to the season in the Home Counties Premier League continued at the small picturesque ground of Henley, although there failure to register a victory saw Reading take over the top spot.

On a warm day returning skipper Dave Houghton had no hesitation in electing to bat after winning the toss. Although Nick Fielden fell to a wonderful slower ball by Ahmed when on 16, the morning session was dominated by Radlett’s Nick Hampton and Graham Dill. Hampton who had flown in from Florida the day before seemed unaffected by the soaring temperatures and humidity as he smashed boundary after boundary in an electrifying first session. He was ably assisted by Dill whose form this season has been nothing short of sensational. By lunch the pair had put on 88 in a total of 126 for the loss of just one wicket.

The lunch interval however brought about a momentary loss of concentration for Dill who was caught for at mid wicket for 30 when Steve Lowe (21) was needlessly run out it looked as if Radlett might lose their early momentum. However Houghton, batting at number 5, steadied the ship and ensured the Cobden Hill side passed the 200 mark. Hampton fell agonisingly 6 runs short of a first HCPL hundred after being stumped for 94 but first Haydn Smith (9) and then Jon Smithers (34) partnered Houghton in two important stands. Such was Radlett’s speed in scoring their runs they were able to declare with 2 overs remaining of their allotted 66 overs. On a score of 277 for 6

In reply Henley got off to a poor start as Edwards was bowled by Stuart Browne following an ill-timed slog for 19. When Kervin Marc trapped White LBW for 12 it looked like there could only be one winner. However Henley patiently rebuilt there innings and helped with some wayward bowling manoeuvred themselves in to a position of strength requiring 207 runs from 40 overs at the tea interval. That position of strength soon looked to be one of victory as Brevell made full use of the small straight boundaries and proceeded to smash each Radlett bowler out of the attack. With 10 overs remaining Henley still had 8 wickets in hand and required just 58 runs.

As almost a last throw of the dice former test captain gave the ball to Graham Dill for the first time in the game and also brought back fast bowler Marc in an attempt to save the game. The plan worked brilliantly as first Dill removed Ellison for 89 and then the very next ball had Ahmed caught by Oz Edwards. The momentum of the game swung back towards Radlett as Marc took the all important wicket of Brevell, whose swashbuckling century, came to an end with a perfectly aimed yorker.

Still Henley believed they could win the match and it was only after keeper Steve Lowe had stumped White to give Dill his fourth wicket in the final over that they decided to settle for the draw. However the drama still wasn’t yet over as Dill bowled Poulson to claim his fifth wicket and set up a tense finale. Although Radlett had 2 balls at Henley’s last batsman man they could not force another breakthrough and claim what would have been a remarkable victory.

This week Radlett entertain Beaconsfield at Cobden Hill in a game that sees second place take on third. Last year Radlett completed the double over one of their local rivals and will need to continue with their good form in order to keep on the tail of league leaders Reading.

Stuart Browne

Radlett CC 1st XI Batting
Player Name RunsMB4s6sSRCtStRo
extras
TOTAL :
 
for 7 wickets
0
277
(0.0 overs)		    
Nick Fielden Bowled  16
Nick Hampton Caught  94
Graham Dill Caught  30
Steve Lowe Run out  21
Dave Houghton Not Out  52
Haydn Smith Caught  9
Jonathan Smithers Caught  34
Ian 'Oz' Edwards   1
Robbie Crocker  
Ian 'Oz' Edwards  
Stuart Browne  

Henley Bowling

Player nameOversMaidensRunsWicketsAverageEconomy
No records to display.

Henley Batting
Player name Runs
extras
TOTAL :
 
for 9 wickets
0
266 (0.0 overs)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Radlett CC 1st XI Bowling

Player NameOversMaidensRunsWicketsAverageEconomy
Kervin Marc15.0167322.334.47
Stuart Browne19.0568168.003.58
Robbie Crocker1.001300.0013.00
Ian 'Oz' Edwards4.003100.007.75
Haydn Smith8.002800.003.50
Dave Houghton4.002300.005.75
Graham Dill5.021853.603.60

  • Umpire :
  • Scorer :
    Doreen Browne