Shenley's newly-formed U11s cricket team won the Hertfordshire competition in glorious sunshine at Haileybury College.

Four teams played in the semi-finals, with Shenley playing Radlett U11s. Shenley batted first and Matthew Stear (18) and Aaron Bradshaw (33 retired) put on 44 for the first wicket.

The college ground was in superb condition and Shenley reached a total of 85-4 off 20 overs.

Radlett replied well, with Basil Letts (30 retired) batting with his customary confidence. However, when he had to retire, the Shenley bowlers took the upper hand, with Jacob Reza (3-11) taking a hat-trick.

George Stear (3-5) supported Reza well and, with John Sanders (1-17) having the final say, Shenley bowled out Radlett for 65.

Shenley went on to play Bishop's Stortford in the final. Again they won the toss and decided to bat.

Matthew Stear (25) and Matthew Evans (20) batted well together and, with Bishop's Stortford contributing several extras, Shenley scored 92-8 after 20 overs.

Under the captaincy of Matthew Stear, Shenley bowled straight, as they had in the previous game, and made batting very difficult for their opponents.

Sanders led the way, with 4-16 off three overs, and Matthew Stear (2-13), Reza (2-8) and George Stear (2-11) contributed to a fine all-round performance.

Bishop's Stortford were bowled out for 78 in the 18th over, giving Shenley U11s a great victory.

Shenley Cricket Centre's director of cricket, Mark Stear, said: "I am very pleased for the boys in their first season of competitive cricket. They have practised hard and got the reward they have deserved."

August 21, 2002 14:30