Villagers hold on for draw

Division Three

North Enfield 267-5 (50)

Shenley Village 233-9 (44)

In a match that began in drizzle, was reduced by six overs due to a delay for heavy rain, finished in near-darkness and was conducted in bright sunshine in between times, Shenley Village returned to old habits for their seventh draw of the season.

Shenley won the toss and elected to field but opening bowlers Al-Darraji and Davenall toiled for 11 overs without reward before heavy rain brought the game to a temporary halt with North Enfield on 50-0. When play resumed, the big hitting of opener Jones ensured the visitors kept up an excellent run rate until spinner Rizvi finally made the breakthrough in the 27th over, taking the wicket of Halley (59), with the score on 140.

Williams quickly followed his team-mate back to the pavilion but the aggressive Gandy joined Jones at the crease and was there as Jones reached three figures, eventually being caught on the boundary off the bowling of Davenall for 136. Gandy was run out for 42 and Scott for a duck off consecutive balls but North Enfield reached an excellent 267-5. Rizvi (2 for 36) was the best of the bowlers.

In reply, Shenley made a good start before Vadgama (15) and Al-Darraji (20) were both caught in quick succession.

The home side's hopes rose again when Rawlings and Rizvi put on an excellent partnership for the third wicket but both then fell to Conningsby within three overs, Rizvi making 45 and Rawlings 39. Hammill (38) made a useful contribution to the Shenley cause but they were behind the run rate and in the end it was up to Liam Willingham (21 not out) and 16-year-old Fall to keep their wickets intact for the draw. North Enfield's Jones added bowling figures of 5 for 72 to his 136.

Shenley Village travel to Hemel Hempstead on Saturday for a 1.30pm start.