Shenley lose after last batsman plays hookey

2:41pm Wednesday 16th July 2003

An eventful game saw the Shenley Village side lose by seven runs in a run thriller at the cricket centre on Saturday.

A win would have seen the side move into third spot but disappointingly, with only six points, it was back to seventh place yet again!

On winning the toss skipper Munting inserted Parkfield II, and they made light work of the bowling on offer, posting 233 runs in their allotted 53 overs as Shenley were missing the four main wicket takers through injury or playing in other sides.

Laurie Willingham led the bowling figures for the Village side with two for 53 in his 10 over spell.

Frank Lillywhite and Lloyd Willingham were the other bowlers to take a wicket.

One point was gained for two run outs as the innings closed.

In reply, Shenley lost their first wicket on 47, when Chris Stanley was on 16 and given out LBW, and he was followed by Bubs Willingham scoring 30, when the score was at 70.

Andy Lewis steered the side close to the total required with his usual steady approach, knowing that a run chase was required at nearly five an over he amassed 56 precious runs while Green 12 and Lloyd Willingham LBW for nought also departed leaving Shenley precariously at 82 for four in reply.

Laurie Willingham joined Lewis and they played well together adding 69 valuable runs before the former was caught for 34 going for another big shot.

Skipper Munting went to the crease and hurried the scoring along before he too was out for 14 going for a run.

Next to go was Lewis with the score on 207, with three wickets left and overs running out, the Villagers didn't give up and Jenkins 18, Clark eight, added valuable runs before they too perished.

Lillywhite, nine not out, was left at one end with five balls left when Jenkins was caught and bowled with seven runs to find, but last man Wilkinson had left early and his wicket was forfeited and the result could have gone either way! \ CRICKET Shenley II 226-10 Parkfield II 233-6 Saracens Hertfordshire League Division Nine

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