The Villagers took the field at the weekend and bowler Kevin Wood almost struck in the first over.

But the catch was not taken and Dunstable's opening batsmen started strongly with several boundaries and quick singles.

Shenley's enthusiastic fielders competed well, and the wickets started to fall.

Captain Tony Munting took a fine catch at the gully, off James Davenal's, bowling to dismiss the Dunstable opener with the score on 21, and with further wickets falling on 27 and two more on 34 from Kevin Wood, Shenley had a tight grip on the game. Some resistance was registered by the Dunstable captain, but the Shenley keeper Andrew Sheen had him stumped on 12 off Davenal.

The wickets continued to fall, with excellent bowling spells from Gary Putman (1-8 off six overs) and Kevin Wood (3-13 off six overs), but the left arm swing bowling from James Davenal was the highlight of the attack, taking 5-16 off ten overs to dismiss the hosts for 84.

Shenley's batsmen wasted no time in scoring but lost two wickets quickly by the fifth over, to bring Andrew Green in to join Richard Evans. The runs started flowing from both their bats, with ten fours and one six in a difficult 50 not out from Green and 18 from Evans, and Shenley reached their target in the 18th over.

This win has put Shenley II in third place, just seven points from the top, and, with the top teams still to play each other, they are still on track for promotion.

Shenley Village II 85 for 3

Dunstable IV 84 for 10 all out

Saracens Herts Division Ten

July 3, 2002 16:00