Radlett's poor league form continued as they were thoroughly outclassed by second-placed Slough.

In a one-sided contest only two Radlett players reached double figures in the home side's paltry total of 93. On a hot and humid day and a decent pitch, in any normal circumstances, the Cobden Hill outfit would have been delighted to bat first.

However, with the late arrival of two key batsman and the loss of Nick Fielden on holiday, the batting order required a restructure. That restructure included the promotion of Jim Chaudry to opener. This did not work as, for the second time this season, Radlett lost a wicket in their first over to Slough. On that occasion Bobby Sher was the bowler creating the damage, but this time it was the turn of Steve Naylor, who would have considered himself fortunate to reap a wicket from what was a poor ball.

Pitching the ball half-way down the track and outside off stump, the hapless Chaudry spooned the ball to Kakar at cover point.

The loss of the wicket brought late arrival Jon Freedman to the crease without the proper pre-match preparation. His mind looked elsewhere and it was no surprise when he was bowled by Russell Lane for a duck. Graham Dill and Dave Houghton soon followed, with Naylor snaring them both to fine catches in the gully. When youngsters James Lewis and Robbie Crocker were undone by Lane's short-pitch bowling, the home side had just 44 runs on the score board.

Matt Evans (26) and Kervin Marc (14) brought some respectability with the best partnership of the match, but when Marc was harshly adjudged to be leg before wicket, the procession of wickets continued until Stuart Browne was last out, giving Lane his seventh wicket.

Such was the inadequacy of Radlett's batting performance there was even time for Slough to face two overs in reply before the lunch break.

The visitors did receive a scare when Radlett believed they had Lane superbly caught behind the wicket by Neil McEwan, however, both umpire and batsman remained unmoved, despite the loud appeal.

Radlett did pick up two points they scarcely deserved, with Browne bowling Lane and having Khan caught at slip by Houghton, however, Slough were never in danger and cruised to a comfortable eight-wicket win.

Radlett's injury woes deepened on Sunday when skipper Matt Evans top-edged the ball into his face during a Chess Valley Sunday league game at Preston. Radlett, who are already without the bowling services of Dan Amadee and Oz Edwards and have lost Dave Houghton, Nick Fielden, Graham Dill, Tony Pickett and Stuart Browne during the season, will hope he can make a speedy recovery in time for Saturday's crucial game against Finchampstead

Radlett travel to Finch knowing that as long as they get the same or more points than the current league champions, then premier league cricket will remain at Cobden Hill for a further season.

Radlett 9310

Slough 96-2

Home Counties Premier League

August 21, 2002 14:30