Radlett finished fifth in 1998 under Nick Hampton and would have taken the league for a fourth consecutive year if they had won a couple of key games, allowing Langleybury their maiden title. Browne made his Hertfordshire debut and equalled Cheshunt left-arm spinner Ray Kingshott’s 1990 league record of 59 wickets, with Oz Edwards taking 46. Radlett reached the last 32 of the national cup for the first time, going out disappointingly at Stanmore. In an earlier round Horlock hit 186 at Ickenham.
Radlett stormed through several rounds of the Evening Standard Trophy, and their 286 (Jahangir 110) would have been enough against Banstead at Cobden Hill if David Ward had not hit a majestic century in reply. The former Surrey batsman had signed for Hertfordshire the previous year to start a prolific minor counties career that lasted until 2008.
Even such a strong Radlett batting side had the occasional mad day. For example, five top-order batsmen made six runs between them in a heavy defeat at Hoddesdon as Moffat, Jahangir, Chippeck and Mike Yeabsley all made ducks and Horlock was run out.
Results
02 May – Radlett 170 – 9 (49.0) Potters Bar 41 – 10 (21.0)
09 May – Old Millhillians 213 – 9 (53.0) Radlett 124 – 8 (47.0)
The reigning Hertfordshire League champions were held to a draw by Old Millhillians. Radlett failed to hit top form with the bat and could only hit 124 runs in 47 overs. That was after a batting collapse at the start of their innings when Radlett were reeling at 40-4. Scott Moffatt, Daniel Chippeck, Campbell Horlock and Kaf Jahangir were the culprits.
Radlett were always up against it after the opposition captain hit a tremendous 96. Said Hampton: “We were chasing 200 runs and then lost four quick wickets so it was always going to be difficult.” Only youngster Nick Fielden (40) stood firm at the crease.
Hampton and Moffatt warmed up for the cup match the next day by claiming four wickets apiece as Old Millhillians posted a healthy total of 213.
“It was a sloppy performance but we have started our season well — winning our opening match and drawing the other,” added Nick.
10 May – Radlett 317-5 Ickenham 209 – Abbot Ale National Cup – 2nd Round
Campbell Is The Wizard From Aus
Campbell Horlock once again proved that he is the man for the big occasion with a spectacular knock to earn his side a place in the third round of the National Cup. The beefy Australian, who opened the batting, hit a cracking 249 not out in last season’s Furnell Cup and smashed his way to a match-winning 190 against Ickenham.
Horlock was in unstoppable form, as was Scott Moffatt who scored his second half century of the season. Kaf Jahangir, who has been handed the captaincy for National Cup matches to give him more experience, hit a swift 30.
Radlett closed on 317-5 and their opponents were soon up against it, losing five cheap wickets with only 130 runs on the board.
The whole of Radlett’s batting performance pleased new club skipper, Nick Hampton. “We batted particularly well and when someone scores 190 runs you are always in with a chance,” he said. “Campbell was magnificent and he also took a fantastic catch at mid-off.”
Hampton claimed four wickets for 29 runs as Radlett made easy work of the Ickenham attack. And Moffatt proved that he is an impressive all-rounder by claiming 3 for 39. The best bowling figures of the day belonged to middle-order batsman, Daniel Chippeck, who claimed a wicket in a maiden over. A wicket for Craig Dack saw off the challenge of Ickenham, who were bowled out for 209.
Hampton added: “I’m very pleased with my form at the moment but I’ve got to start scoring a few runs. Ickenham are a good side but we got off to a fantastic start. It is early on in the season but we already seem to be gelling into a strong team.”
Hampton will be hoping his side can do well in a competition which has not been too kind to them in recent years.
Radlett have often failed to get beyond the opening stages of the National Cup but the captain warned: “We’re aiming to reach the Finals this year.”
16 May – Bishop’s Stortford 163 – 10 (50.4) Radlett 164 – 6 (39.0)
23 May – Welwyn Garden City 203 – 8 (53.0) Radlett 181 – 8 (47.0)
30 May – Radlett 195 – 6 (52.0) Watford Town 196 – 6 (46.5)
Oz Is Wizard But Champs Go Down
Radlett lost their first match of the season on Saturday against local rivals Watford Town and team captain Nick Hampton admitted: “We were beaten by the better side.”
The current league champions were given a stern test by a team that should be pressing for divisional honours this year.
At one point, Radlett were reeling at 97-6.
But a mixture of youth and experience nearly saved the day for the Cobden Hill side.
The increasingly impressive youngster, Nick Fielden (49), and Ian ‘Oz’ Edwards (51) hit an unbeaten stand of 97 to help their team reach 195 runs in 52 overs.
The half century by Edwards, one of the club’s veteran performers, was his first ever in the ten years he has been with Radlett.
Openers Scott Moffatt (35) and Campbell Horlock (23) put up a useful stand of 46 to get their team off to a good start.
But the next three batsmen were kept in check by some impeccable bowling from Watford, who began the game with a 100 per cent record.
Only Dave Robinson, who was run out for 0, could point to sloppy play as the reason for his departure.
The rest of Radlett’s attack had very few complaints over the way they were dismissed.
Said Hampton: “It was one of those situations where our batsmen returned to the pavilion after facing some genuinely good deliveries.”
Fast bowler Stuart Browne and Edwards had the ominous task of trying to keep the run rate down.
Browne was the pick of the Radlett attack and claimed three wickets for 68 runs off 22 overs.
But Watford managed to sustain a steady flow of runs and reached 120 for the loss of four wickets.
They had opener Illott (41), James (60) and Lane (40 not out) to thank for guiding them home to victory.
Watford needed 70 runs from the remaining 11 overs but reached their target with some hefty blows.
The Radlett players could only watch in admiration as Lane steered his side home.
He smashed four sixes in two overs during a purple patch for the opposition. “We thought we were back in the game when we fought back from a desperate position,” said Hampton.
“Our bowlers kept it tight and we fielded as well as we have done this season.”
31 May – Radlett 212 Langleybury 129
Radlett are in the second round of the Becker Transport Knockout Cup after beating Langleybury by 83 runs. The holders of the trophy were in sizzling form and posted an impressive target of 212 runs in 45 overs.
Dan Chippeck top scored with 70 runs, while captain for the day Campbell Horlock hit a quickfire half century on a poor wicket. Mike Yeabsley hit 33.
Langleybury, who were knocked out of the competition by Radlett at the semi-final stage last year, were all out for 129. And over half of those runs were scored by one player!
Kaf Jahangir (3 for 22) and Edwards (3 for 26) were the star bowlers for Radlett.
“It was a very solid and thoroughly professional performance,” said skipper Nick Hampton.
But he felt sorry for the losers, who were unlucky to be paired with Radlett in the opening round of the competition. “It is a ludicrous situation that two of the top sides in this cup are forced to play eachother so early on.
“There should be some sort of seeding system.”
Radlett are away to St Margaretsbury in the second round.
06 June – West Herts 80 – 10 (42.5) Radlett 82 – 0 (15.3)
Blistering Browne!
Radlett bounced back from last week’s shock defeat by Watford Town by beating West Herts by ten wickets on Saturday.
Winning the toss on a rain-affected pitch, skipper Nick Hampton had no hesitation inserting the opposition.
West Herts were in trouble from the start and were reeling at ten for two. The wickets continued to tumble at a steady rate and Radlett found themselves needing only 81 runs to win.
Once again, the fearsome pace attack of Stuart Browne and Ian ‘Oz’ Edwards caused all the damage.
Browne was in blistering form and returned figures of six for 35 from 21 overs, while Edwards took two wickets for 37 runs in his 17-over spell.
Radlett’s reply saw openers Scott Moffat (42) and Campbell Horlock (30) produce two devastating knocks.
Both remained unbeaten and hit a number of fours as they steered their side to a comfortable victory.
Radlett skipper Nick Hampton was in buoyant mood after the match and praised his star bowler for his match-winning display.
“The wicket was a bit damp and that’s just the sort of thing that Stuart revels in.
“He was awesome and was ably assisted by Ian Edwards.”
The run chase was a doddle after the display of the duo, he added.
But admitted that he didn’t expect the match to be so easy. “I knew they wouldn’t get 200 runs on a wicket like that but I thought we were in for a tougher match.
“They were missing their captain, who is their best batsman, and we didn’t drop a catch.”
The performance of Radlett’s formidable opening pairing was all that more impressive when one considers that they were facing an ex-Surrey bowler.
Hampton added: “They scored well and Peter Waterman found it tough going against them.”
07 June – Radlett 235-5 Maldon 188 – Abbot Ale National Cup 3rd Round
Radlett went in to the match in good form, following a comfortable victory against Maldon in the third round of the Abbot Ale National Cup on Thursday.
The Cobden Hill side batted first on another difficult wicket and reached 235 for 5 from their 45 overs.
Skipper Hampton led the way with a magnificent innings of 105, his first century this season, after coming in at number four.
He was well supported by Daniel Chippeck (38), Scott Moffat (21) and Campbell Horlock (20).
Maldon put up a reasonable response in their innings and reached 188 runs.
13 June – Radlett 0 – 0 (0.0) Letchworth 0 – 0 (0.0) Rain
20 June – Langleybury 86 – 10 (27.0) Radlett 87 – 3 (44.3)
27 June – Radlett 79 – 3 (18.0) Luton Town 0 – 0 (0.0) Rain
04 July – Hoddesdon 228 – 9 (51.0) Radlett 115 – 10 (39.0)
More Ducks Than The Village Pond!
Radlett’s improving league form came to a sudden halt at Hoddesdon on Saturday as they lost by 113 runs.
Hoddesdon won the toss and decided to bat and made good steady progress all the way through their innings. All top six batsmen contributed and reached double figures.
Although none of Hoddesdon’s batsmen really acquired big scores, they were all consistent against some good tidy bowling from stand-in skipper Oz Edwards and Stuart Browne.
Browne celebrated his Herts call-up against Suffolk the following day with another five-wicket haul.
Edwards continued his fine form with the ball and took 3 for 67 from 14 overs. Hoddesdon closed on 228 for 9 from 51 overs, a score which Radlett’s powerful batting line-up thought was attainable. The other wicket taker was Scott Moffat (one for 33).
Radlett’s response got off to a disastrous start. Moffat fell in the first over without scoring, the first of four Radlett players to depart for a duck. Nick Fielden (40) and Dave Robinson (27) put on 75 runs for the second wicket as Radlett battled back.
But with the fall of Robinson, a horrendous batting collapse ensued. Only number ten, Oz Edwards, managed to reach double figures and his side were skittled out for a paltry 115.
Kaf Jahangir, who hit 106 in a Becker Transport Cup tie against St Margaretsbury last Thursday, went for 0. Dan Chippeck was clean bowled after scoring just five runs and the normally reliable Campbell Horlock was run out for 6. Mike Yeabsley and Stuart Browne were the other batsmen to depart without hitting a run on the board.
RADLETT: Moffat, Fielden, Robinson, Jahangir, Chippeck, Horlock, Pearce, Yeabsley, Warren, Edwards, Browne.
11 July – North Mymms 208 – 6 (41.0) Radlett 0 – 0 (0.0) Rain
Radlett On Top
Heavy showers forced the abandonment of Radlett’s match against North Mymms on Saturday, much to the dismay of the Radlett squad.
The players came off the field in the 41st over, with North Mymms on 208 for 6.
Wicket takers for Radlett were Stuart Browne (2 for 20), Ian Edwards (2 for 12) and Scott Moffat (2 for 14).
Said skipper Nick Hampton: “We were pretty optimistic that we would have had a good chance of claiming a win.”
Radlett have an excellent chance of closing the gap on the division’s front runners this Saturday when they travel to second from bottom Hitchin (1.30pm).
Radlett skipper Nick Hampton has conceded that his side need to string a few results together if they are to have any chance of retaining the Hertfordshire crown.
But the Cobden Hill side, who are ninth in the league and 41 points behind leaders Watford, are struggling to find the sort of form that has seen them claim a hat-trick of championships in as many years.
Radlett, who have already been dumped out of all major cup competitions, have just half a season in which to turn their season around.
Said Hampton: “I was hoping that we would have been in the top four all season.
“But I am not going to change things.”
Radlett have lost two matches this season but they were crucial ones — against the league leaders and second-placed Hoddesdon.
But apart from those dismal performances, there is nothing to worry about, insists Hampton.
“It’s all been going to plan and I am still very hopeful.”
Hampton, who is still out of action with a broken finger, was awarded the club captaincy at the beginning of the term and is desperate to maintain the club’s success in the Hertfordshire League.
“It’s harder work than I thought it would be and I never expected that this role would get me as fired up as it has done,” he said.
18 July – Hitchin 97 – 10 (42.0) Radlett 98 – 1 (26.0)
Out For A Dack!
Radlett moved up to sixth spot in the league after a crushing nine-wicket of demolition of Hitchin on Saturday. Other results also went Radlett’s way, with previous league leaders Watford Town suffering a surprise defeat against Potters Bar. Other high fliers to lose were Bishop’s Stortford and St Albans, who lost to Barnet and Langleybury respectively. The gap between Radlett, who are the reigning Hertfordshire champions, and new table toppers, Hoddesdon, now stands at 38 points.
Only three of Hitchin’s batsmen managed to get into double figures as they were skittled out for just 97. This was mainly due to the efforts of Radlett’s three-pronged attack of Stuart Browne, Craig Dack and Ian Edwards.
Dack, who has been missing for much of the season, proved to be the star of the show. He ripped through the opposition’s middle order to end his devastating eight-over spell with 5 for 29. Dack’s efforts were well backed up by club stalwarts Browne (3 for 20) and Edwards (2 for 41).
Hitchin’s paltry total, amassed in 42 overs, was put into perspective by Radlett’s batsmen who achieved the target for the loss of only one wicket. Nick Fielden failed to score. A magnificent 62 not out from opener Scott Moffat and Dave Robinson’s 33 not out steered the Cobden Hill side home in the 26th over.
The race for the title is far from over, insists team skipper Nick Hampton. There are only seven games remaining, and Hampton believes nothing less than seven wins will do if his side are to retain their title. “I’ve set my side a target of winning all our remaining games,” he said. “For the last weeks, we haven’t enjoyed the best of runs but we’ve now got nothing to lose.”
Hampton praised batsman Scott Moffat for managing to “knuckle down” after an outstanding performance from his bowling attack. “It would have been easy for him to think that the run chase was easy but he played really well and focused on his job,” he said.
25 July – Barnet 174 – 10 (51.1) Radlett 179 – 7 (47.2)
Skipper Nick Hampton was glad to be part of the Radlett team that beat Barnet on Saturday to record their sixth win of the season. Hampton, who has recently spent a spell on the sidelines because of a hand injury, scored 41 in a match that went to the wire.
Radlett won with just two balls to spare, with Hampton thumping a six to secure the victory, and are now just 38 points behind leaders Hoddesdon. Radlett have now got to continue winning games to have any say in the destiny of the championship, said Hampton. “There are only six games left and I think we need to win five of those. It’s not over yet.” The skipper admitted after that match that he’d been pulling his hair out while watching his team mates play. “I hated not being out there but it’s good to be back,” he said.
Radlett were indebted to their main strike bowlers for grabbing the win. Stuart Browne and Ian ‘Oz’ Edwards were once again in sizzling form for the reigning Hertfordshire champions, who were without Scott Moffat, Kaf Jahangir and Craig Dack.
Barnet were all out for 174 in the 51st over, thanks to the efforts of Edwards, who took five wickets, and Browne (4 for 70), who bowled right through the innings.
John Tricker, a regular in the 2nd XI team, also bowled but his spell was cut short when he injured his shoulder.
The target looked a reasonable one to attain, but Radlett started slowly. Openers Mike Yeabsley and Nick Fielden fell cheaply. But Daniel Chippeck came in and batted stoutly to record a knock of 46. Radlett needed 65 off the last nine overs with four wickets in hand.
Hampton enjoyed a good partnership with newcomer James Wynn-Evans and helped get the target down to eight runs off two overs.
At the start of the last over, Radlett required five runs for victory, and Hampton did the honours with a six off the fourth ball of the over.
01 August – Radlett 228 – 5 (50.0) Hertford 151 – 9 (50.0)
Run-out Nick’s Century Chance
A cruel piece of fortune robbed Nick Fielden of his maiden century in Radlett’s drawn match with Hertford on Saturday. Fielden, 22, was cruelly run out at the non-striker’s end just two runs short of the milestone.
Skipper Nick Hampton posted an equally impressive 52 in just 40 balls as Radlett declared on 228 for 5 in the 50th over. Kaf Jahangir, who opened the batting with Fielden, was out of form and could only hit 18. A quickfire 28 was scored by Mike Yeabsley, who entered the fray following the dismissal of his captain. Daniel Chippeck made 14.
Radlett seemed on course for an easy victory as they set about the Hertford batting. The visitors were struggling at 76 for 6 but remarkably managed to hold out for the draw. Hertford’s last pair stayed in for seven overs to deny Radlett the win they desperately needed to close the gap on league leaders Hoddesdon.
Stuart Browne (4 for 43) and Ian Edwards (3 for 34) once again showed their value to the side with some exceptional bowling.
Three times in the final over the outside edge was missed by a whisker as Radlett threw everything at the opposition. Without the bowling services of their captain, who was nursing a damaged finger, perhaps Radlett just did not have quite enough options. Scott Moffatt (1 for 34) and Craig Dack (1 for 13) were the other wicket takers.
The result leaves Radlett 29 points behind the table toppers.
Had the visitors been more adventurous in their play, Radlett may well have gone on to grab the win, admitted skipper Nick Hampton. “They ended up with only one bonus point which tells you a lot,” he said. “I told our batsmen that we needed to score 220 runs and then I would declare.
“All things went according to plan but I didn’t realise that they were intent on playing for a draw.” Nothing less than wins from their remaining five games will do if Radlett are to retain their Hertfordshire crown, insists Hampton.
RADLETT: Fielden, Jahangir, Chippeck, Hampton, Yeabsley, Khan, Edwards, Moffat, Hanson, Dack, Browne.
08 August – Sawbridgeworth 217 – 10 (49.0) Radlett 186 – 10 (49.3)
15 August – Hemel Hempstead 117 – 10 (51.4) Radlett 118 – 1 (30.0)
22 August – St Albans 163 – 9 (51.0) Radlett 146 – 9 (45.0)
29 August – Knebworth Park 76 – 10 (26.0) Radlett 77 – 2 (15.0)
Radlett Concede Title In Champagne Style
Radlett cruised to an easy eight-wicket demolition of Knebworth on Saturday but they ended the match in the knowledge that they will not be crowned this year’s league champions.
A win for league leaders Hoddesdon over Old Millhillians leaves Radlett, who have won the title for the past three seasons, 35 points away from top spot with just one game to go.
To make matters even worse for the Cobden Hill side, the other three teams above them — Langleybury, Bishop’s Stortford and Stevenage — all won.
Radlett got the win they expected against rock-bottom Knebworth in just under three hours. Bowlers Ian Edwards and Stuart Browne, who have tormented teams throughout the season, were in top form and helped reduce the opposition to 76 all out in 26 overs.
Debutante Dinesh Yogendra claimed two wickets, with the first coming off his opening delivery.
Browne (3 for 26) made it 59 wickets for the term, beating last year’s best-ever effort.
And Edwards’ haul of 4 for 24 leaves him on 46 wickets, another season’s best.
The duo have now taken over 100 wickets in total this season, claiming almost all of the wickets that their side have taken.
Browne, who has represented Hertfordshire twice this term, thanked his lucky stars after claiming yet another sackful of scalps for the season. “I’ve been used a lot more this term but only because we’ve been a bit thin on bowlers,” he said. “Darren (Norman) and Craig (Dack) have all missed parts of the campaign because of injury so the onus has been on me and Ian to get the wickets.”
Radlett barely drew sweat as they raced to their target — but they started poorly. Opener Scott Moffat was run out for one in the first over. Kaf Jahangir scored a quickfire 20 before being caught at mid-wicket. It was left to Dave Robinson (15) and skipper Nick Hampton (20) to hit the winning runs.
Radlett visit Stevenage on the final day of the season (12.30pm start) with the players looking for only one outcome. “We just do not want to lose this match,” said fired-up Browne. “We haven’t played as well as we can this year and we want to go out on a winning note.”
05 September – Stevenage 0 – 0 (0.0) Radlett 0 – 0 (0.0) Rain
Hertfordshire Premier Division Table
| Played | Wins | Draws | Lost | NR | Bat | Bwl | Pen | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Langleybury | 19 | 10 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 30 | 36 | - | 396 |
| Hoddesdon | 19 | 10 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 14 | 17 | - | 381 |
| Bishop's Stortford | 19 | 9 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 17 | 42 | - | 369 |
| Stevenage | 19 | 9 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 16 | 42 | - | 368 |
| Radlett | 19 | 8 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 26 | 40 | - | 346 |
| Hertford | 19 | 9 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 18 | - | 329 |
| Hemel Hempstead Town | 19 | 7 | 2 | 7 | 3 | 42 | 44 | - | 326 |
| St Albans | 19 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 4 | 41 | 65 | - | 326 |
| North Mymms | 19 | 7 | 2 | 6 | 4 | 32 | 38 | - | 320 |
| Watford Town | 19 | 7 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 27 | 46 | - | 313 |
| Luton Town | 19 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 37 | 56 | - | 313 |
| Letchworth Garden City | 19 | 7 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 35 | - | 297 |
| Old Millhillians | 19 | 5 | 3 | 7 | 4 | 43 | 52 | - | 285 |
| Welwyn Garden City | 19 | 4 | 7 | 6 | 2 | 60 | 85 | - | 285 |
| Potters Bar | 19 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 5 | 18 | 39 | - | 257 |
| Barnet | 19 | 5 | 1 | 10 | 3 | 15 | 55 | - | 250 |
| Sawbridgeworth | 19 | 3 | 2 | 9 | 5 | 60 | 47 | - | 247 |
| West Herts | 19 | 2 | 5 | 8 | 4 | 59 | 67 | - | 226 |
| Hitchin | 19 | 0 | 4 | 11 | 4 | 72 | 50 | - | 162 |
| Knebworth Park | 19 | 0 | 3 | 12 | 4 | 21 | 57 | - | 118 |