Scorecard

Radlett CC 3rd XI v Chorleywood II on Sat 10 May 2003 at 1:30
Radlett CC Won 7 wickets

Match report Radlett were deprived of a match last Saturday by Old Millhillians. Millhillians cancelled the game at five o’clock on the Friday night a decision that has been described as “disgraceful”. Cynics might say that the fact that they have a much stronger side later in the season had a bearing on this disappointing decision, and all other games were played. Well, of course, all of this is just hearsay, and I would certainly disassociate myself from such scurrilous remarks, as my solicitor instructed me.

Haxell won the toss and bullishly elected to bowl. Brown and debutant Ross Carpenter opened the bowling with some control, and at 40 for 2 after 18 overs, looked to have given Radlett the whip hand. Thereafter, Chorleywood’s middle order batted with patience and no little skill to put on 100 for the third wicket without giving a chance, and against some respectable bowling. It must be noted that not one chance of any real note was put down, and the fielding was more than adequate. However, Chorleywood posted 200 for 5 from their 53 overs with O’Dwyer making an accomplished 91 without giving a chance, supported by Jenkins who made a steady half century.

On a wicket that offered little to the bowler, credit must also be given to spinners Sudbery and Hardy, who bowled with guile and intelligence, and to skipper Haxell who produced some beautiful deliveries that were too good to get a wicket. But the pick of the bowlers must have been Badger Gitay, who regained some control when the batters were well in the ascendancy, and threatened to put on a total of 240 plus.

Needing 201 to win, Radlett started with a bang, but needlessly lost Hardy, Warne and Ingram, making the score 35 for 3, chasing 201, which looked an unlikely prospect. This brought together Tim Smithers, who was nearly put down last week with a damaged fetlock, and Richie Toor the young porn star from India.

Remember that all last season there was not one single century partnership and only one total of over 200, (which we lost). The omens were therefore not favourable. Yet these two won the match, batting with aplomb, patience and some brutality to take Radlett to victory.

The aplomb and patience were provided by Richie Toor, who plans his innings, never gives his wicket away, and hits the bad ball with disdain, and the brutality was provided by Tim Smithers, who was nothing short of magnificent, scoring 112 not out, at much better than a run a ball, and tore the heart out of some pretty ordinary bowling. This was certainly the best innings for Radlett Thirds for more than a season. And it won us the game – with 16 overs to spare!

Not perfect, but a seven wicket win cannot be sneezed at, and the end of getting promotion, even at this early stage in the season, is an aim that is very much in mind. Perhaps the opposition was not the strongest, but the win was grasped firmly, and this is a side with a mission. It must also be noted that not one straightforward catch was put down – when did that last happen? The other notable event was the debut of Ross Carpenter, who opened the bowling with style and confidence, and returned six overs for twelve runs, and, three times his senior, Colin Warne, who fielded brilliantly, and has the class as a batter to be a significant performer in the top order to take this side into the next division.

Radlett CC 3rd XI Batting
Player Name RunsMB4s6sSRCtStRo
extras
TOTAL :
 
for 3 wickets
0
204
(0.0 overs)		    
Richard Hardy Lbw  7
Dominic Ingram Caught  19
Colin Warne Bowled  5
Tim Smithers Not Out  112 1
Rishi Toor Not Out  37
Ian Sudbery   1
Chris Brown   1
Ian Sudbery  
John Crocker  
Chris Brown  
Ross Carpenter  

Chorleywood II Bowling

Player nameOversMaidensRunsWicketsAverageEconomy
No records to display.

Chorleywood II Batting
Player name Runs
extras
TOTAL :
 
for 5 wickets
0
200 (0.0 overs)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Radlett CC 3rd XI Bowling

Player NameOversMaidensRunsWicketsAverageEconomy
Chris Brown11.0038138.003.45
Ross Carpenter6.021200.002.00
Richard Haxell7.0316116.002.29
Ian Sudbery 7.013000.004.29
Zahur Gitay13.0345145.003.46
Richard Hardy9.0047223.505.22