Shenley Village Cricket Club kicked off its 2003/4 season with an inter-club game on Saturday afternoon.

Matt Woodward, captain of the first XI, is hoping for big things this year, after all three teams were promoted from their divisions in the Saracens Hertfordshire League last year.

"We are hoping the first and second teams will be promoted again this year, but it may be a bit much to expect the third team to be promoted for the second year running," said Mr Woodward.

"Shenley is a good local family club, and most of the players come from Borehamwood, Radlett or Shenley," he added.

On Saturday members of the first and second XIs mixed to form two teams, and played each other.

Team B, captained by regular second XI skipper Tony Munting, won the toss and elected to bat in the cold conditions. In 50 overs Team B posted a competitive 213, with 50s for Chris McDonald and Vernon Senanayake, and useful contributions from Andy Lewis (36) and James Davenall (21).

Team A's bowlers fared less well, with no one making much of an impression. In reply Team B set about their task in a solid fashion with Jemile Al-Darraji and Richard Evans putting 97 on the board before Al-Darraji retired for 59.

They then lost three wickets quickly, although Ray McLennan posted 23 in his stay at the crease. Captain Matt Woodward came to the crease to join Evans who was out shortly afterwards for a well struck 42. Lars Burkhardt helped push the score along to within 30 of the target, but after he departed for 23 there was another mini-collapse, with three wickets falling in one over, including two in two balls to the part time pace of Andy Lewis.

Last man Tom Blackman (7 not out) and Woodward (45 not out) saw Team A home with eight overs to spare as darkness closed in.

TEAM A (218-8): Matt Woodward, Richard Evans, Jemile Al-Darraji, Gary Burkhardt, Ray McLennan, Paul Rich, Lars Burkhardt, Gary Putman, Jon Haley, Tom Blackman, Steve Elliott.

TEAM B (213-4): Tony Munting, Andy Lewis, Chris McDonald, Vernon Senanayake,

James Davenall, Kevin Wood, Andy Green, Jon Clark, Ross Jennings, Lloyd Willingham, Zak Iqbal.

3:36pm Wednesday 23rd April 2003

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