WHERWELL kept alive their hopes of going up in Hampshire League County Division Four North with a 152-run victory over promotion rivals Stockbridge, writes EDWIN JOHN.

The KJM Sponsored Wherwell travelled to take on Stockbridge at Leckford and under overcast skies, Wherwell lost the toss and were put into bat.

Stockbridge started well, sending back both Wherwell openers in quick succession.

The innings rebuild fell at the feet of Matt Cutts and Oliver Emslie.

They set about their jobs smartly putting away any bad balls they faced to the boundary and constantly rotating the strike. Matt Cutts bought up his 50 with a square drive.

He was sent back soon after, ending on 60 runs. They put on a 93 run partnership.

Mike Cutts came into bat at five and played the innings of the day, scoring powerful 68 not out at a strike rate of 200.

This included reaching his half century with a monstrous six.

Oliver Emslie playing the anchor role reached his fifth 50 of the season. Emslie was caught out for 56 runs.

Nathan Young looking for quick runs showcased his powerful hitting before being stumped for 19 runs in eight balls.

Wherwell ended the innings for 241-6. Vokes was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 9-4-20-2.

Having heard that 280 was the par score, Wherwell knew they had to be at their best in the field to win.

But this turned out to be another day to remember for Harry Trebert, who took his third six wicket haul of the season.

Trebert started off strongly taking two wickets in the first over of the Stockbridge innings.

Bowling strong channels, Trebert kept troubling the batsman who were unable to face his menacing spell as he ended with 6-38.

Special mention should go to Emslie who took a flying one handed catch at point for Trebet’s fifth wicket to remove Vokes who was looking dangerous.

Wherwell finished off the innings for 89 runs in 25 overs. Only resistance coming from Burton (22) and Vokes (17).

Nathan Young took two wickets and there was one each for Emslie and Steve Turner.

This result leaves Wherwell second and this week they are are at home to Rowledge, while Stockbridge have no game.