Radlett 109 all out

Finchampstead 110-1

ECB Home Counties

Premiership

Radlett suffered a miserable defeat at the hands of league leaders Finchampstead on Saturday afternoon at Cobden Hill.

Not for the first time this term, the hosts batted badly with only Tony Picket (38) and Nick Fielden (20) making noteworthy contributions. Finchampstead captain Jon Moss's penetrative bowling was another factor. He finished with figures of 5-29. The home side were bowled out for a dismal and uncompetitive 109.

Radlett tried hard when it came to fielding, with Justin Engelke picking up an early wicket.

However, Moss again proved to be their nemesis, when he posted an undefeated 62.

The Finchampstead skipper is an exceptional player, and it comes as no surprise that he forges a successful career with Australian side, Victoria, in the winter months.

Aided by mighty Moss, the visitors finished on 110-1 and have their sights set on the league title. The only thing that may prevent them from achieving this is an early return to Oz for Moss, for the Australian domestic season.

As for Radlett, their next four league games hold the key to the remainder of their Premiership season, starting this Saturday, away to relegation-threatened Slough.

But it's not all gloom and doom, as the men from Cobden Hill have the welcome distraction of being in the last 16 of the Evening Standard Trophy, which sees them travelling to South Hampstead on Sunday.

Radlett Cricket Club's U10s defeated Potten End 261 to 244 in a recent friendly.

The Cobden Hill youngsters' victory was clinched by man-of-the-match Tony McFadden, who took two wickets. Team mate Stelios Iasonos made a worthy contribution with two catches.

Radlett also enjoyed success at the Hertfordshire County Trials, held at St Margaretsbury Cricket Club, as Basil Letts was invited to join the county's U10s squad. And Stelios Iasonos has been asked to attend the winter nets sessions, with a view to joining the county's U11s side.

Playing away, Radlett's U11s defeated North Mymms 125-3 to 68-8 in a league clash on Thursday.

Choosing to bat first, Radlett posted a good total despite a strong wind. Parag Shah racked up 19, Duncan Burton scored a solid 28 before retiring, and Nick Robinson put on 23no by the end.

Radlett's bowlers also performed well as they restricted Mymms to 68-8. Wickets were taken by John Mansell, Baiju Ganatra, Niki Veale, Matthew Soffair, Saga Mojaria and Shah.

Credit must also go to man-of-the-match Duncan Burton, who took two wickets in his three overs, including a caught-and-bowled.

Radlett's U11 'B' team defeated St Albans 73-7 to 70-4 recently. On an overcast morning at Cobden Hill, Radlett motored their way to 73-7, one of the highlights being Nikhil Sharma's 12no. St Albans, in reply, finished on 70-4.