WHERWELL kept their promotion hopes on track as they moved up to second in the Hampshire League County Division Four North, writes ADAM COOK.

This was thanks to an excellent eight wicket victory at home to Twyford.

The KJM sponsored home side won the toss for just the second time this season and opted to field first.

The Twyford openers showed promising intent early on but Wherwell replied with a convincing bowling attack toppling nearly their entire line up restricting their innings to just 31.3 overs.

All bowlers took a slice of the pie with tremendous effort on a rock solid pitch making it difficult for all batsmen of the day.

Mike Cutts led the way with 4-16 from seven overs and was well supported by Steve Turner 2-23, Harry Trebert 1-24, Nathan Young 1-24, Oliver Emslie 1-35.

Wherwell opened with Robbie Skeates and Alex Gladwyn built a solid partnership enjoying their time in the middle although was throttled by majestic bowling on the glamorous Wherwell pitch.

Skeates was caught for 60 putting him second in Wherwell’s most runs scored so far, just 30 behind current leader Matt Cutts.

Gladwyn was caught for 26 and securing his top spot in the Wherwell’s batting averages so far.

Matt Cutts (22 not out) and Emslie (4 not out) wasted no time with a quick fire partnership to see the victory home. Wherwell now have just six matches left to secure promotion and have no game this weekend due to the demise of Silchester.

They are next in action on July 27 in a big crunch game away at current third placed side Stockbridge.