Scorecard

Radlett CC 3rd XI v Hatfield Hyde on Sat 05 Jun 2004 at 1:30
Radlett CC Won 5 wickets

Match report Radlett won this match decisively due to their superior catching. Radlett caught five excellent catches, all behind the wicket, and Hatfield Hyde dropped five, and that was the difference between the sides. Add to this a superb performance behind the stumps from Luffman, culminating in a brilliant stumping to wrap up the innings, and the sum total was an excellent win for Radlett.

Hatfield, down from division four, were third in the league at the start of play, and Radlett mid-table. Hatfield won the toss and elected to bat first on a damp wicket. Wickets fell at regular intervals, and the batting was remarkable for the fact that over two thirds of Hatfield’s runs from the bat came from Rajput, who was not out at the end with 68. He hit the bad ball hard and took no chances, but ran out of partners when Hatfield were bowled out for 117 after 40 overs.

This was due to the fact that Radlett did not miss a chance in the field, with excellent slip catches by Irwin and Evans, and three beauties from Ingram in the gully. The pitch was helpful to the seamers, and Tricker and Robertson bowled well to take two each, with Carpenter cashing in with 4 for 15. Meepgama celebrated his return to the side after eight years in the wilderness, with two wickets, the second being that remarkably astute stumping by Luffman, who looks to be back to his impressive best.

This was an excellent performance from Radlett, good bowling and good fielding, giving nothing away in the air or on the ground.

A target, therefore, of 118 was by no means straightforward, but could have been much more difficult on this tricky wicket.

Mike Crocker started off like a train, playing some exquisite shots, despite being dropped twice, but was caught and bowled by one that stopped, having scored 22 of the first 24 runs. When Irwin was caught at slip from another excellent delivery from Rajput, who was proving a handful, it was 26 for 2 after 11 overs. With three catches having been dropped, and Ingram becalmed on 4 not out having played four consecutive maidens, there was a lot of work to do.

Evans smashed his second ball for 4, his competitive instincts coming to the fore. Hatfield dropped him twice, and paid the penalty. He and Ingram slowly turned the game Radlett’s way, with patience and skill. The score of 49 for 2 from 20 overs doubled in the next six overs, and at drinks the score was 100 for 2 at drinks on 26 overs.

Ingram’s demise first ball of the resumption from a careless cut straight to cover brought about mini-collapse, but Evans was still around at the end with 51 not out, an innings of typical character, and John Crocker hit the winning run with five wickets and 28 overs to spare.

This was a marvellous win for Radlett, who looked a complete side today. It was a superb performance in the field against a very competent and motivated young side. What is even more encouraging is that this side could be made stronger with the inclusion of Smithers and Hardy, normally regulars but currently unavailable.

Last week’s disappointing defeat was totally eclipsed by this victory. If Radlett can maintain this standard, they should win most of their remaining matches and achieve promotion. They controlled this match by bowling and fielding extremely well. It is dispiriting for the opposition when they know that if they make one mistake it is the end of their innings. Also, at our level, it is sometimes thought almost unfair to be out to a good slip catch.

Trevor Bailey’s phrase “catches win matches” has never been so true.

Radlett CC 3rd XI Batting
Player Name RunsMB4s6sSRCtStRo
extras
TOTAL :
 
for 5 wickets
0
118
(0.0 overs)		    
Mike Crocker Caught  22
Dominic Ingram Caught  36 3
David Irwin Caught  0 1
Mark Evans Not Out  51 1
Chandana Meepegama Bowled  0
Jon Tricker Bowled  6
John Crocker Not Out  2 1
Ceri Luffman   1
Ross Carpenter  
Ashley Tillett  
Ceri Luffman  

Hatfield Hyde Bowling

Player nameOversMaidensRunsWicketsAverageEconomy
No records to display.

Hatfield Hyde Batting
Player name Runs
extras
TOTAL :
 
for 10 wickets
0
117 (0.0 overs)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Radlett CC 3rd XI Bowling

Player NameOversMaidensRunsWicketsAverageEconomy
Jon Tricker13.0430215.002.31
Ross Carpenter9.041543.751.67
Oliver Robertson10.0328214.002.80
Chandana Meepegama2.20924.503.86
Mark Evans6.002800.004.67

  • Umpire :
    Bird
  • Scorer :