Wheathampstead 1st XI got off to a good start in Division 2 with a winning draw against Watford Town. Having won the toss, Wheato chose to bat and were soon 24 for 2 but Adam Winchester (42) shared a 77 run third wicket stand with debutant Luke Samarasinghe who batted superbly throughout, dispatching the bad ball to the boundary and maneuvering the field with ease. Richard Winchester (28) and Adam Robbins (23*) showed great support but it was Samarasinghe's day as he fell for a magnificent 115 in the 49th over. This was the first league century at Nomansland for thirteen years and helped Wheato post 253 for 6 declared off 51. Early wickets from Strivens (2 for 13) put the game in Wheato's favour but a stand of 131 put Watford right back in the game. The breakthrough from Daniel Norris saw Hussain bowled for 80 and then the new Australian overseas Mitchell Futcher bowled ruthlessly to pick up 4 for 31 as Watford Town finished 48 runs short on 205 for 8 and leave Wheato picking up 18 points. Next weekend Wheato travel to Cobden Hill as they face Radlett 2nd XI.
Wheato 2nd XI won by 6 wickets in their opening game against Radlett 3rd XI. Nick Martin picked up 4 for 11 to bowl Radlett out for 112 before Todd Houlahan (50) and captain Jimmy McEwen (42) helped knock off the runs with 4 wickets down. Next up the 2nd's play Clifton at Nomansland.
Wheato 3rd XI beat Watford Town 4th XI by 4 wickets after a close encounter at Kimpton. Chris Dilks picked up career best figures of 7 for 27 to bowl Town out for just 83 before Wheato got off over the line 6 wickets down with help from a crucial 18 from captain Richard Hodgson. Next up is a trip to Baldock 3rd XI.
Wheato Sunday 1st XI won their First Round encounter against Eversholt in the National Village Cup that could see them travel to Lords if they progress throughout the Summer! Adam Winchester held the innings together as he hit a fine 133 as Wheato posted 242 for 6 off their 40 before Eversholt were bowled out for 166 as Nick Martin, Dave Dabare, Steve Booth and Dave Tree all picked up 2 wickets each. Next up Wheato play the 2012 National Village Cup Champions Reed CC on Sunday 19th May in a huge game at Nomansland.
1st XI Player of the Week - Luke Samarasinghe (115)
2nd XI Player of the Week - Nick Martin (4 for 11)
3rd XI Player of the Week - Chris Dilks (7 for 27)