Shenley Village 210-8 drew with Letchworth II 175-7 SHENLEY Village looked the better side, but ended a hard afternoon s work with a draw against Letchworth II, who had begun the day as Division Three leaders. Letchworth won the toss and asked the ho

Shenley Village 210-8 drew with Letchworth II 175-7

SHENLEY Village looked the better side, but ended a hard afternoon's work with a draw against Letchworth II, who had begun the day as Division Three leaders.

Letchworth won the toss and asked the home side to bat on a wicket with more than a hint of green to it and a slow outfield.

Openers Morgan Stanley (55) and Charlie Thurston (13) played steadily to compile an opening partnership of 53 as the quicker opening bowlers toiled in vain.

It was spinner Marsh who eventually make a breakthrough, having Thurston caught in the 16th over.

But the middle order continued to stack up the runs. Rob Laney and Wendell Roberts (whose contribution included three massive sixes) - made a useful 36 apiece and helped to compile a very respectable 210-8. Marsh was by far the best of the Letchworth bowlers, with figures of 6-59.

Shenley also turned to the spinners - with Thurston (2-41) making a quick impression as Mebourne was caught early in the innings for five.

Fellow opener Elliott followed shortly afterwards, sent back to the pavilion by a great catch from keeper Laney. Albon, batting at five, proved harder to remove and remained at the crease for some time as he amassed 42.

However, on his eventual dismissal, clean bowled by fast bowler Roberts (2-24), the visitors seemed content to bat defensively for the draw, reaching 175-7 by the end of their allotted overs.

Spinner Rifkhan Hameed (2-54) and Al-Darraji (1-15) were the other wicket takers.

The outcome was less disappointing for Shenley than for the visiting side - as with the maximum 10 batting points and seven bowling points gained, they remain very well-placed as they continue their push for promotion.

While still fifth in the table, they have closed the gap considerably on the sides immediately above them, only five points lying between them and second place.

The next stage in their campaign sees them travel to Waltham X Rosedale, currently residing in the bottom half of the division.