Second-string climb out of the relegation zone

4:07pm Thursday 22nd July 2004

Shenley Village II 200 all out Monken Hadley 158-8 Saracens Herts League Division Ten Shenley II's draw with Monken Hadley took them out of the relegation zone for the first time this season.

Monken Hadley, in third place, were asked to field after losing the toss. Bubs Willingham played some hefty strokes until his partner Lewis (3) was caught behind, with 29 on the board.

With two wickets falling soon after, things looked a little shaky. But Stanley and Willingham produced some clever shots and accelerated the scoring. The latter was caught behind for 53.

When Stanley was bowled for 25 and Stubbs was out for a brief 13, Shenley stood on 108-6. Captain Affleck (17) and Woodward (26) then added 60 valuable runs in eight overs.

Ed Lillywhite came in and hit a couple of hefty sixes to increase the pace, allowing Shenley to claim maximum batting points in their final over.

When Monken Hadley went in to bat, Lillywhite bowled well early on. Geoff Evans (5-46) proved devastating in a long spell consisting of 19 overs.

In addition, spinner Matt Woodward took a very useful 2-25 from ten overs.

Only Hawkins (60), the Hadley captain, managed to challenge the Shenley bowlers. Yet Hadley held on for a draw.

Although Shenley were denied a win, overall they played above their league position. They know they have to work hard to stay out of the relegation zone, but in the last three games they proved their fighting spirit.

SHENLEY VILLAGE II: B Willingham, A Lewis, Li Willingham, Dh Tahil, C Stanley, D Stubbs, D Affleck, M Woodward, G Evans, E Lillywhite, K Wood.

Editor's Choice