Shenley play through the rain barrier but collapse

Shenley Village II are looking back on the game against Waltham Cross Rosedale in disbelief.

Firstly because the full game was played at all in very poor weather conditions which saw rain fall persistently from start to finish, and secondly because they threw away a winning position and the 30 points that go with victory.

Skipper Steve Scott won the toss and elected to field first. The Shenley bowlers kept a straight line and immediately put Waltham Cross under pressure.

Wickets fell regularly and Waltham Cross mustered a modest score of 140 in 47 overs. The fact that seven of the wickets were bowled and the other three were run outs gave the scorecard an unusual look but reflected the accurate bowling of Kevin Wood, Tom Evans, Steve Scott and Matt Woodward.

Shenley had to contend with dark, dreary conditions and a slippery pitch.

After a couple of early wickets, Laurie Willingham and Chris Stanley put on a 43 run partnership to move towards victory at 83-2. Then, things started to unravel and Shenley finished on 110 all out.

What should have been a comfortable victory turned into a frustrating defeat.

The hard work done by bowlers and fielders was wasted by irresponsible batting which saw three run outs, two stumpings and two catches on the boundary.

Shenley Village's other two teams both recorded victories on Saturday.

If anyone wants to join this friendly club, which can accommodate players of all ages and abilities, call Ray McClennan on 07973 377824.