Radlett were unlucky not to win a nerve-racking encounter with Waltham Cross Rosedale which went down to the final ball on Saturday.

With Waltham requiring seven runs off the final the over, with two wickets remaining, their number ten batsmen was out lbw to a fine yorker.

Then, with one ball to go and three runs needed, one of the Waltham batsman fell foul to another yorker, which narrowly missed the stumps.

A draw was therefore the end result in this pulsating match, which both teams approached with a positive attitude. The two teams were both promoted to Division Five this season, and Waltham were top of the league going into this game, while Radlett were in the top quarter.

Radlett skipper Haxell lost the toss and his team were put in to bat on a very damp wicket. With the score at 19-2, off 12 overs, progress was slow and perilous.

Ingram and Smithers batted solidly, taking the score to 85, before Ingram was dismissed for 48, which marked a welcome return to form.

Smithers continued to bat imperiously, despite another flurry of wickets which left the score on 102-5. However, his 69 and 36 from Haxell enabled Radlett to reach a very creditable 194-9 after 53 overs. Waltham's bowling was very tidy, and their fielding excellent. After some rain at tea, the pitch and outfield were very wet again and Radlett's bowlers struggled to cope with the conditions. Waltham's young openers Dyer (80) and Morrison (41) took full advantage.

The game was fast running away from Radlett when Haxell brought on Zahur Gitay and Robert Crocker, who began to exert some control.

Crocker, who was named man-of-the-match, bowled beautifully, yet it seemed that Waltham had the game in their grasp.

But Tricker was brought back on and he recovered his line and length to claim five wickets in an excellent display of quick bowling.

It was a wonderful game between two good sides, both of whom will be looking to finish the season in promotion positions.

Radlett III 194-9

Waltham X Rosedale 192-9

Saracens Herts Cricket League Division Five

June 12, 2002 13:00