Shenley Village were held to a draw by Broxbourne in a high scoring game

Shenley Village 270-5 dec

Broxbourne 189-3

Match Drawn

Shenley Village amassed an impressive total of 270-5 but could only come away with a draw at the Broxbourne Sports Club.

Having won the toss, Shenley put themselves in to bat, making a steady start.

On a flat wicket, it took the introduction of spinner Robin Glassberg in the 15th over to make a breakthrough, bowling Opener Morgan Stanley for 24.

Fellow opener Anooj Vadgama followed two overs later, trapped lbw, again off the bowling of Glassberg.

Once again, Rob Laney and Rahul Gajjar gave an impressive display with the bat. Laney batted patiently for his 77 – remaining at the crease for two hours and 15 minutes. Gajjar hit 98 off 102 balls – including three sixes – before being bowled by Smith.

Wendell Roberts contributed with a quickfire 28 before Shenley eventually declared at 270-5.

After tea, the visitors toiled in the hot sun on a pitch offering no pace or bounce and better suited to the slower bowlers.

With the introduction of leg spinner Rifkhan Hameed, Broxbourne’s openers were both sent back to the pavilion from consecutive balls in the 12th over – Bailey being caught behind while Dawson was run out.

But thereafter it was hard work with little reward for the bowlers.

Another wicket fell when Francis was stumped off the bowling of Shenley skipper Jemile Al-Darraji in the 29th over with the score on 111, but the game never really came to life, with the home side obviously content to bat out for a somewhat disappointing draw, ending with a total of 189-3 after their allotted overs.

Shenley earned a total of 13 bonus points, which keeps them at the top end of the League table, and they now move on to next week’s home encounter with Ampthill Town – who lie just two points above Shenley in Division Two - at the Shenley Cricket Centre (1pm start).