Radlett, who were 27 points ahead of Finchampstead prior to Saturday's game, knew that a victory in this crucial match would enable them to have clear daylight between themselves and the relegation zone. The game, however, petered out into a disappointing draw for the hosts, who had initially got off to a wonderful start.

Having won the toss, Radlett skipper Dave Houghton inserted the men from Hampshire. His decision was instantly vindicated as Ian Oz' Edwards removed Hall with his first delivery. The ball jagged back sharply to send Hall's off stump cart wheeling back to the slip cordon much to the delight of the bowler and his fellow team-mates. Edwards immediately followed it up with another in-swinging delivery to remove Ward lbw. With Stuart Browne also claiming two early wickets, following rash strokes, Finch were staring down the barrel of a sixth consecutive defeat.

However, good batting by Spencer (71) and McInnes (93), coupled with some indifferent bowling and fielding, enabled the visitors to wriggle off the hook.

After Spencer had departed to a well-taken catch by Matt Cousens, off the bowling of Dan Amedee, Denning joined McInnes at the crease and the pair continued the good recovery. Finchampstead declared on 264 for the loss of only 6 wickets in just 62 overs.

Radlett's response started well enough, with Graham Dill and Nick Fielden playing some good positive shots, but Finchampstead saved certain boundaries. After one such fine stop, a frustrated Fielden was caught in the slips. Dill, Chaudry and Freedman soon followed and it was left to Tony Pickett and Dave Houghton to carry the game to the visitors.

This they did to great effect. Pickett scored 64 before he was stumped, with 143 runs still required for victory. Houghton completed another half century to finish on 64 not out and Marc accumulated 39 runs, however, with the run rate at more than eight an over, Radlett settled for a draw, although they conceded six points to their relegation-threatened rivals.

Radlett 224-6

Finchampstead 264-6

Home Counties Premier League

Sunday saw a comfortable victory over St Albans in the Becker Transport Cup, when Radlett amassed a huge 362 for 9 in their allotted 50 overs.

June 26, 2002 15:30