Hemel Hempstead 181-9

Shenley Village 191-6

Hertfordshire League Division Four

Shenley's captain courageous Steve Scott performed heroics to earn his side a draw in their second league match of the season.

Scott hit 74 not out and claimed four wickets in a remarkable performance.

His devastating bowling spell left Hemel, with only two wickets to spare, needing 12 runs off the last over to claim victory.

Last season's leading wicket taker, Jon Haley, took a wicket with his first ball to ensure a tense climax.

But the number 11 stayed at the crease to the dismay of the Shenley players.

After winning the toss, Scott elected to bat and Shenley made a slow but steady start against two good opening bowlers.

With runs hard to come by, the two openers, Stanley and Cashin, put on 18 for the first wicket. Searle then joined Cashin and although only scoring six runs, he stayed there for nine overs.

McDonald then entered the fray and was unlucky to glove one of the few balls that bounced to the keeper.

Next up was Worsnop, who picked off the runs with ease.

At the fall of the fourth wicket, which saw Cashin bowled for 23, Shenley had managed to score just 55 runs.

But Scott steadied the ship and, together with Worsnop (42), guided his side to 131 for 5. Lilywhite (17) helped take Shenley through to 191. Hemel put on 80 for the opening wicket off only 20 overs.

And with their number 3 hitting a quick 14 and number 4 a fine 30, Shenley were very much on the back foot.

However, the introduction of Matt Woodward's off spin into the attack resulted in two quick wickets.

Another wicket from Stanley, bowling slow leg breaks that forced the batsmen to hit in the air, opened the game up again.

The strong batting line-up of Hemel continued to chase the run total and at 153 for 4 were well set to win the match.

But the introduction of Scott swung the match back to Shenley.

SHENLEY: Scott, Stanley, Cashin, Searle, McDonald, Worsnop, Perkins, Lilywhite, Haley, Woodward, Webb.

*Shenley's 2nd XI endured a similar end in their match against Hemel.

A variety of bowlers were tried to get out the opposition's last few remaining batsmen but to no avail.

Hemel held out for a draw with over 20 overs to go.

Shenley started steadily and openers McLennan and Seinthan were hitting four runs an over.

The first wicket fell on 37 runs but Kemp, and then Stubbs, maintained their side's slow progress.

Barkhardt later entered the crease and hit a quick fire 17 off just 13 balls.

His partner, Foster, strolled to a well-earned 23.

Tunstall (0), Leathers (7) and Shadbolt (5) all came and went cheaply.

Last batsman, Mullen, joined Foster with eight overs left and took the score to 172 for 9.

Shenley needed to bowl out Hemel in 47 overs. Shadbolt and Leathers (3 for 19) bowled very economically, but Hemel managed to claim a draw.

A much depleted Shenley side was no match for Hadley Wood on Sunday.

Shenley elected to take the field and tight bowling from Roseman (1 for 39) and Shadbolt (1 for 31) kept the opposition run rate down.

Hadley were reeling on 59 for 4 before they upped the tempo and the next wicket fell at 118.

McLennan (2 for 28) and Stubbs (3 for 20) continued the bowling attack and Hadley ended their innings on 124 for 7.

Shenley's reduced batting attack was tested very early on and they lost two quick wickets for no runs.

The score progressed to 8 for 3 after eight overs.

McLennan (15) and Shadbolt (17 not out) looked to have done enough to claim a draw for their side with 15 overs remaining.

But Stubbs went in to bat and returned three overs later with Shenley on 49 for 6.

Defeat was confirmed when Roseman was bowled out, Shenley ending their innings all out for 51.

Shenley Village 2nd XI 129-9

Hemel Hempstead 107-8

Shenley Village 51

Hadley Wood 124-7

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