Villagers' tale of woe

Welwyn Garden City 92-2

Shenley Village 91

Hertfordshire Division Four

Shenley lost a wicket with the first ball bowled in their match against high-flying Welwyn on Saturday in a dreary encounter they lost after some woeful batting.

And to add insult to injury, the club was fined five points by league officials after failing to report their result.

A vital toss was lost by the Villagers, who were asked to bat. Shenley's disastrous start set the tone for their innings. Wet conditions made the wicket unpredictable and, armed with the new ball, Welwyn's bowlers took full advantage.

Shenley were reduced to 24 for 5 after 19 overs and looked set for a pitiful total.

But a strong rearguard display from Stubbs (10) and Lilywhite (28) gave their score some respectability. Scott (16) then entered the fray and, along with Lilywhite, managed to get Shenley up to 91.

By the time the game was restarted, all life had been washed out of the wicket.

Although six different bowlers were tried, none could make any headway with a wet ball. The opposition used only 22 overs to comfortably reach their target for the loss of just two wickets.

* The best batting partnership of the season so far steered Shenley's 2nd XI to a fine five-wicket win over Welwyn Garden City.

Following a disastrous start, which saw Shenley lose two wickets with just four runs on the board, St John Fuller and Danny Mangi made an outstanding 66-run contribution. Doyle (22 not out) and Burkhardt (17 not out) hit the winning runs as Shenley reached their 120-run target with ease.

Welwyn won the toss and made a strong start to their innings. Quick wickets had the opposition on 71 for 5 but batsman Luck lived up to his name as he helped Welwyn reach 119 off just 41 overs, leaving Shenley 59 overs to achieve their target.

Shenley, who are only one place off the foot of the table, face their toughest task of the season so far this Saturday. A trip to league leaders Potton Town, who are unbeaten, await the villagers.

SHENLEY: Cashin, Stanley, Searle, Stubbs, Lilywhite, McDonald, Scott, Shadbolt, Haley, Perkins, Woodward.

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