Test cricket in 1977 welcomed an influential newcomer when Ian Botham made his debut against Australia at the age of 21. Radlett remained hard to beat without forcing enough victories. Oxford Blue Robin Topham, an Aldenham maths teacher, joined the club, and the season produced 18 wins, 20 draws and only five defeats, with Geoff Bird hitting his only club century, at Southill Park.
The second ground was given a try-out on Sept 24 before its official opening the following season in 1978. A steeply sloping meadow, owned by Aldenham Parish Council, had cost some £18,000 to level and prepare into what is today a magnificent cricket facility. Teams of volunteers spent many hours picking up stones.