A FANTASTIC team performance saw Wheathampstead back to winning ways against Harpenden 2nds as they cruised home by six wickets in the SHL Division Three derby clash.

Returning to his former club, Adam Winchester won the toss and asked Richard Darwin’s men to bat on an unusually damp wicket and opening bowler Nick Martin took full advantage by setting upon the Harpenden top order in style.

Bowling tight lines and restricting scoring, Martin and Daniel Norris (3-48) bowled superbly and with the Wheato fielding back on form, three great catches in the ring kept the pressure on the new batsman throughout.

A fine innings of 67 from Mike Howard moved the score along but it was Martin who claimed the prized wicket to finish with figures of 6-48 and leave Harpenden well short of a par score on 143 all out.

After tea Mark Winchester (62) and Adam Winchester (48) batted magnificently, easily dispatching the Harpenden attack to all parts of the common as they put on a fine opening stand of 92 in just 14 overs.

Harpenden took four wickets to gain some much needed bonus points but Wheato eased home to victory by six wickets and with more than 30 overs so spare finishing on 145-4, a great all round performance that proves their class in the league.

Wheathampstead travel to St Albans West Indian in a crucial encounter on Saturday as they go in search of another 30 points away from home.