AN UNBEATEN 95 from Adam Winchester almost handed WCC victory but the run chase fell agonisingly short as the teams shared the spoils.

Herts Advertiser: Wheathampstead appeal unsuccessfully for LBWWheathampstead appeal unsuccessfully for LBW (Image: Archant)

Despite wickets falling around him the number three put in a captain’s innings to put WCC within touching distance of victory when the allotted overs came to an end.

Botany Bay set WCC a target of 183 in the morning and the reply started terribly as Mark Winchester (1) and Luke Samarasinghe were dismissed with 14 runs on the board.

Chris Martin added nine in a 44-run, third wicket stand with Adam Winchester to push WCC over the 50-run mark.

After Martin was bowled by Amir Mapara (1-19), it was Richard Winchester’s turn to partner the skipper. The pair notched 41 runs with Richard Winchester scoring 12 before he was caught by Duncan Fraser off Greg Harris’ bowling (3-57).

Harris picked up two more wickets in quick succession, removing Adam Robbins (5) and Pete Bush (12), as WCC slipped from 99-4 to 119-6.

Mitchell Futcher (6) and Chris Strivens (6) helped WCC reach 146-8 before Winchester added 17 runs in a partnership with Daniel Norris (2no) to reach 95 as the innings came to an end 22 runs short of victory.

The day started well for WCC having won the toss and elected to bowl. Mark Bott (26) and Kasey Harris (40) put on 40 before the first of three quick wickets from Nick Martin (4-49) saw them reach 60-3.

Botany Bay added 65 before Chris Martin (1-17) got in on the act to dismiss Harris, who was caught by Futcher, before Nick Martin took his fourth wicket, trapping Nick Cape (49) LBW.

Four wickets for 31 runs saw Botany Bay limp to 177-9 before Strivens (3-23) brought the innings to an end with the score on 183. Futcher ended with figures of 2-50.

Final score: Wheathampstead (162-8) drew with Botany Bay (183)