WHEATHAMPSTEAD recorded a dramatic win against Hertford thanks to a superb innings from David Dabare on Sunday. Visitors Hertford made a positive start to the game and progressed to 37 without loss after 12 overs of tight bowling, with Dan Norris giving n

WHEATHAMPSTEAD recorded a dramatic win against Hertford thanks to a superb innings from David Dabare on Sunday.

Visitors Hertford made a positive start to the game and progressed to 37 without loss after 12 overs of tight bowling, with Dan Norris giving nothing away in his spell (7-2-19-1).

An inspired change unlocked the door when Ollie Moorhouse came on to bowl and lured Barbett (19) into a simple catch at mid on and two balls later repeated the trick for Clarke, caught at cover. Hopkins, batting at number four, took a more aggressive approach with some lusty shots before he was bowled by Wheato skipper Adam Goodyear Robbins for a hard-hit 39. Riddle went on to make a grafting 55 and, with help from Jones (24), enabled a declaration at tea on 208-7. Colt Jake Bavister finally got his first wicket for Wheathampstead in his tidy 8-1-27-1 spell.

The first XI duo of Steve Booth and Goodyear Robbins opened the batting and found the bowling to their liking, putting on 40 for the first wicket before Booth, playing loosely, was caught for 20.

Dabare joined the fray and re-kindled his early-season form with strokes all around the ground. Robbins threatened to reach his first 50 for a while but missed a flighted ball from Riddle and was stumped for 32. Andy Alexander provided useful support with 19 as Dabare powered to 91 not out for a match winning-innings. Wheato ended on 209-8 after 37.2 overs. Barbett and Hopkins each picked up three wickets for Hertford.

After the match a proud Goodyear (senior) Robbins said: "I was proud of junior's efforts today and it looks like he will have the potential to captain and perform at a higher level in years to come."

l The Wheathampstead clash with North Enfield in Division Three of the Saracens Herts League was cancelled on Saturday due to the weather with both sides settling for 10 points. Wheathampstead II picked up 30 points without playing as their match with Elstree was conceded by the opposition.