LONDON COLNEY bounced back from a poor run of form to pick up 30 vital Division Five points against much-fancied Radlett third XI on Saturday, June 22, although Richard Haxell will be disappointed with a defeat that dents Radlett's promotion chances.

Haxell won the toss and opted to bowl and the decision seemed to be the right one as the Cobden Hill outfit excelled in the field.

Phil McLaughlin (45) got Colney off to a steady start with Ian Prior and then Ady Fisher (52 not out) supporting and with the score at 102-2 after 40 overs, Colney looked set for a late charge.

However, Radlett continued to restrict London with Simon Jackson and Chris Brown keeping the run-rate at less than three an over while Matt Barret impressed in the field with an athletic catch and direct hit from deep.

Chasing 143, Radlett must have been confident, especially after Ingram (35) and Gitay helped the score along to 50-1 after 15 overs with 30 points looking certain.

However, aided first by a run out, and then by Liam Wilkinson removing the dangerous opener Ingram, Colney dragged themselves back in to the match with two Ian Prior wickets exposing the tail.

The turning point in the match came when Radlett's McKenzie was finally dismissed after a direct hit from the boundary by Adam Stuart.

Although only five runs were needed from the final over for victory, Andy Cole (5-40) took two wickets to clinch a sensational Colney come-back against all odds.

June 27, 2002 12:00