Radlett bounce back with historic victory

9:45am Monday 19th May 2008

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Slough 235 (62.4 overs).

Radlett 236-5 (44 overs).

(Radlett won by five wickets).

Home Counties Premier League Division One.

A magnificent win at Slough on Saturday saw Radlett put themselves back on track in the Home Counties Division One title race.

On a very overcast and damp day, Shane Burger's men put in a fantastic team performance and one that will be remembered for some time to come.

Burger said: "After last week's dismal performance against High Wycombe, it is nice to bounce back with such a fantastic win against such quality opposition."

Radlett won the toss and elected to field in conditions that favoured seam bowling. Burger struck early with three wickets and Slough found themselves in a spot of bother at 81-4.

However, the hosts put on a 77-run fourth-wicket partnership and finished on a very respectable 235 all out.

Radlett's new recruit Paul Barker was the pick of the bowlers, finishing on 5-71 in 21.4 overs.

Rain interrupted play several times which meant that Radlett would only receive 46 overs.

Losing a wicket in the first over did not help the cause.

James Lewis and Steve Lowe did a great job rebuilding the innings, but were dismissed in quick succession and Radlett found themselves at 75-3.

Burger and Kabir Toor, the newly-contracted Middlesex player, took responsibility and put on a stand of 83 for the fourth wicket, before Burger was bowled for 48.

Toor was the man to see it through all the way to the end for Radlett and ended on a matchwinning 87 not out.

It was only fitting that Toor hit the winning runs when he carved Bobby Sher, the Slough captain, for a boundary through the off side. The shot was greeted with shouts of joy and jubilation from the team, as Radlett achieved their first ever win away at Slough since joining Home Counties Division One.

They had won with just one over to spare.

Slough, who finished second in the table last year and were champions in 2005 and 2006, were totally outplayed in all departments.

Burger said: "What a fantastic win. It is our first ever win away to Slough and it took a real team effort. Every single person chipped in and I am proud of each and every member of the side.

"Kabir Toor batted with responsibility and maturity beyond his years and I am really chuffed for the new recruit, Paul Barker, who picked up 5-71 in a marathon spell in conditions that did not favour him."

Radlett host Reading at Cobden Hill this Saturday.