Wheato IIs on the up

SHL Division Eight Wheathampstead II 191 beat Bentley Heath 122 by 69 runs IN Division Eight, Wheathampstead II XI entered into the game against already promoted Bentley Heath knowing that 15 points would see them join their opponents in Division Seven

SHL Division Eight

Wheathampstead II 191 beat Bentley Heath 122 by 69 runs

IN Division Eight, Wheathampstead II XI entered into the game against already promoted Bentley Heath knowing that 15 points would see them join their opponents in Division Seven next year.

Wheato's innings got off to a horrific start when skipper Tim Kiek dollied up a catch in the very first over of the match.

Wickets continued to fall at regular intervals and Wheato found themselves in the perilous position of 80-5 when Pete Griffiths (27) was joined at the crease by Ibrar Walayat.

Demonstrating some flamboyant shot-making and whippet-like running between the wickets, the pair added 50 for the fifth wicket, though the Heath's fielders will rue putting down Walayat who skied a simple chance when only on eight. By the time he was eventually caught in the deep he had added a scintillating 28 further runs.

Respite for the Heath was short-lived, as this only served to bring Dave Dabare to the crease, who hit a quite sensational 37; an innings littered with his usual quota of spectacular boundaries and suicidal running between the wickets!

When he was the last man out, Wheathampstead had put on a formidable 191 and Bentley Heath were left with the daunting prospect of chasing down a record run chase on the Wheato track in 2009.

However, the Heath were not going for the league title for nothing and had reached 25-0 from a mere four overs when M Hubbard (21) rather cockily attempted to launch a fast in-swinging Dave Tree delivery into orbit, only to find that it was his stumps, not the ball, which left the ground. After this, Wheato's bowlers really scented blood, knowing that seven wickets would see them up.

Dave Tree (11-20-4) and Ibrar Walayat (9-30-5), aided by two outstanding catches courtesy of Pete Griffiths, were simply too hot to handle and, one by one, Bentley's batsmen were sent packing. They eventually subsided to 122 all out with only Hubbard (52) offering any serious resistance.

After the game, skipper Kiek was elated and said: "Over the course of the season we have been one of the most consistent teams in the league, having been in the top four since week two. All the lads thoroughly deserve this promotion and the performance was phenomenal. I'd also like to congratulate Steve Booth on scoring his maiden century for the club.