EVEN a superb century from skipper Scott Moffat could not haul Radlett out of their mid-season slump.

The South African batsman played the perfect captain's innings, but could not stop his side coming off second best in an entertaining draw with Reading.

Moffat's round 100 aside, there was little else to cheer for Radlett as they took just seven Home Counties Premier League points to remain rooted in mid-table.

The Cobden Hill captain was clearly in for a good day as he won the toss for the first time this season, but his decision to field first allowed Reading to make a lightning start.

Although Stuart Browne took his customary early wicket when he had opener Harvey caught at short leg by Nick Fielden, the home side still made steady progress.

With the returning Darren Norman bowling well but without success, the second-wicket pairing of Fray and Shaw carried Reading towards the realms of a huge declaration with a fine partnership.

Even though Matt Evans' quick fielding ran out Fray for 68, Shaw single-handedly steered his side to a large total with an exceptional knock of 128 not out.

It needed the introduction of Moffat the bowler to make sure further wickets fell but although his 3-31 did at least stop runs flowing freely from both ends, Shaw stuck around to the finish.

Eventually, a much-needed Radlett victory looked highly unlikely as they were left to chase a daunting 264-6 in a minimum of 56 overs.

But their reply could not have got off to a worse start as Fielden fell without scoring, Evans was out for just 15 and Kaf Jahangir's recent run of form ended with just one run next to his name.

To add injury to insult, Dan Chippeck's promising 23 was curtailed when he was forced off after being caught by a rising delivery from the pacey Sana.

Thankfully, the new format of the league has instilled no shortage of resolve into the Radlett ranks and as Mofatt stood and surveyed the wreckage around him, he knew he would need to see his side home on his own.

Although the former Middlesex man had no need to score at the sort of rate he is capable of, he still took the fight to the Reading attack whenever they strayed from their line and length.

With another encouraging display from Warren Jefferies taking up valuable time at the other end, Radlett slowly edged towards safety, even if a victory was well out of sight.

Jefferies' resistance finally ended after 23 patient runs, but although Ian Mulholland (2), Norman (0) and Neil McEwan (0) all went cheaply and quickly, Moffat managed to dominate the strike.

Not only did he protect Browne and prevent defeat, but in the final over of the game he managed to make it into three figures, which was a small consolation in another disappointing display.