Shenley Village cricket club opened their new practice nets facility on Sunday with help from Angus Fraser and ECB inspector of pitches, Chris Wood.

Former England bowler and current Middlesex CCC managing director Fraser was delayed due to an early meeting in Uxbridge but soon joined Wood, who described the nets as a “totally enclosed and safe facility while offering a perfect bounce.”

Fraser has connections with the Shenley Cricket Centre, having previously played there and used the facilities in the past for Middlesex CCC practice sessions.

The new nets were made possible by a generous award from the Lafarge Tarmac Landfill Communities Fund and will greatly enhance the experience of both senior and junior club cricketers.

They also mean Shenley Village – who already play on the renowned Denis Compton Oval – now boast some of the best practice facilities in Hertfordshire.

The opening of the nets was immediately followed by a junior tournament, played over both pitches at the centre.

On the pitch, Shenley Village enjoyed a 51-run win over Luton Town and Indians in Herts Division One. Batting first, Shenley made 207 for eight before dismissing the visitors for 156.

Radlett remain second in the Saracens Hertfordshire Premier Division after an inspired performance with the ball from Kabir Toor helped them to a 30-run win at home to Sawbridgeworth.

Having won the toss, the visitors elected to bowl first and made early inroads on the Radlett attack, reducing their hosts to 49 for five at one stage.

Openers Fraser Crawford (11) and Toor (5) were quickly dismissed and Jonathan McLean (4) and Tom Jenkins (5) soon followed.

However, a knock of 67 from Chad Barrett provided some cause for optimism as the hosts gradually built towards 151 for six.

Hugh McDowell struck 31 but the tail could only manage a meagre contribution as Radlett closed on 169 all out.

Michael Burrell (three for 25) was supported by Ryan Cunningham (two for 25) with the ball as the visitors removed their hosts for an obtainable score.

Danny Wilson opened for Sawbridgeworth with a disappointing knock of five, before Charlie Rudkin (20) and Robert Sanders (45) came to the crease.

Sanders was Toor’s first victim, the bowler picking up four wickets whilst conceding just 17 runs in 9.5 overs.

Batting at six, Burrell hit 31 but his was the last telling contribution as the away side collapsed to 139 all out.

Ben Lederman made a useful contribution with the ball, taking two for 16 in six overs, including three maidens.