Spilled catches and two hours lost to rain proved costly as under-strength Hadleigh had the better of things in their draw with a strong Hainault outfit.

"Our fielding was generally pretty good, but we put down seven catches and if we'd held onto them we felt we might have won it," said spokesman Jon Wagstaff, the third XI skipper who made his first-team debut.

"The spirit in the team was absolutely fantastic, though, and it's very encouraging to know that the club has resources like this to call on as back-up for the firsts."

Hainault batted for 62 overs after being inserted and amassed 278-7, with opening bowler Haseez Quereshi the pick of the bowlers with 4-72, while Steve Brown was ultra-economical with 1-4 from ten overs.

Essex-contracted Zobi Sharif made 57 for the home side, with opener Ahmed smashing 91.

Almost two hours was lost to an afternoon downpour and Hadleigh would probably have sealed victory if a full day was possible.

They raced to 214-4 in just 43 overs, with former Indian Test ace Devang Ghandi making a classy 90 and Haseez adding an unbeaten 44.

Seconds opener Adam Fleming took his first-team chance with an assured 30 before falling to a dubious lbw decision.

Published Monday, May 19, 2003

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