Southgate Adelaide were thwarted by the rain in a promotion tussle at the Walker Ground on Saturday.

With Hertford batting first, they got off to a fast start thanks to some wayward bowling, allowing Graeme Riddle to help himself to 85, before the introduction of spinners Brad Isherwood (4-68) and Neil Watts, with 3-47, slowed the Balls Park outfit down.

A generous declaration then followed at 230-8.

In reply, heavy rain at tea meant the Adders had just 26 overs to reach their target, but anything is possible with this team, and Martyn Chandler teed off, scoring a hundred off just 55 balls, ably supported by Whiting, Lyte and Ellwood, before rain again ruined a possible victory after 16 overs, as the Waterfall Road team were well up with the run rate.

With Adelaide and Exiles' matches both being washed out, third place Harpenden took advantage to move into top spot in the Division Four table.

Chandler also moved through the 1,000 runs barrier for the season.