Blues for twos

10:19am Wednesday 28th May 2003

It was a rather disappointing visit to Berkhampstead on Saturday for the village second team as their unbeaten run came to an end.

High flyers Hemel Hempstead IV won the toss and put Shenley into bat on a lush track and with lots of grass on the outfield which was also sodden.

Shenley were soon in trouble losing Stanley for seven and Fuller for two as they slumped to 25 for two in 13 overs.

Andrew Green came to the crease and set about the bowlers and hit some much-needed boundaries helping to take the total to 75 before he was caught for 26.

Stubbs chipped in with a quick dozen and Gary Burkhardt followed that up with an impressive 24, but with overs running out and a reasonable total looking less likely as Lewis went for 36 and chances were taken to up the run rate and three run outs saw the demise of the innings with Shenley all out on 157.

The total wasn't what skipper Munting had wanted, nearer 180 would have been better to defend, but James Davenall shone with the ball and he caused lots of problems early on with his partner Wood at the other end, who contained the opening batsmen.

Davenall made the breakthrough when the score was on 13 and 18 removing the openers. Then Hemel skipper Pickard and Judd began setting about the bowling and amassed a quick 45 in eight short overs before Stubbs had Pickard caught for 31.

Another fine spell from the rested Davenall saw him remove Judd for 45, Ahmed for 28, and Hussein for two, to claim his first five wicket haul of the season.

It wasn't enough as support bowling failed to make any impact giving too many chances to score off and irregular errors in the field made it easy for the opposition to win by four wickets.

To be in contention for any chance of promotion, Shenley must regain the consistent form they enjoyed last season.

SHENLEY VILLAGE II: Lewis, Stanley, Fuller, Green, Stubbs, Burkhardt, Munting, Davenall, Jenkins, Wood, Elliott.

*On Saturday Shenley Village II host near neighbours Elstree II at Watford Lesuire Centre, and there promises to be some real banter on and off the pitch.

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