Division Three Wheathampstead 138-10 (48.2) Clifton 139-7 (39) WHEATHAMPSTEAD plunged towards the relegation zone after losing to rivals Clifton on Saturday. Having lost a crucial toss, Wheato were put in to bat on a lively wicket and struggled to score

Division Three

Wheathampstead 138-10 (48.2) Clifton 139-7 (39)

WHEATHAMPSTEAD plunged towards the relegation zone after losing to rivals Clifton on Saturday.

Having lost a crucial toss, Wheato were put in to bat on a lively wicket and struggled to score freely. Despite sensible batting from the top order, only three men managed to post scores above 20 which left the home side a total of 138 to defend.

In reply, Clifton had the benefit of a wicket which had dried out somewhat and batted well to reach their target in 39 overs for seven wickets. Skipper Steve Booth, who picked up three wickets, said: "It was a bad day at the office today and I think losing the toss was a considerable factor in our demise. I'll be putting this match behind me and planning next week's come back victory."

Wheathampstead II won at Old Owens in Division Eight. The Wheats posted 186-9 off 53 overs after being inserted and then dismissed Old Owens for 91-10.

Wheathampstead completed the double over Redbourn with an emphatic five-wicket victory on Sunday. The foundation for Rebourn's 190-10 score line was built on a 118 run partnership between Martin Benfield (52) and Dan Darvell (71) but once this pair was out, seven wickets tumbled for 24 runs.

Skipper Steve Smith (7-0-41-3), Richard Winchester (3-1-4-3) and colt Jack Stevens (4-0-30-2) were too hot to handle with the ball.

Wheato in return got off to a great start with a 50 opening partnership between Ian Winchester (30) and Sam Ledger, who eventually was out for a fortunate 64, thanks to a number of catches being put down by Redbourn. Richard Winchester finally found some form with the bat, hitting 31 not out and another calypso innings from David Dabare (24 not out) sealed a comfortable win in 34 overs.