WHERWELL kept themselves very much in the Hampshire League County Division Four North with their ninth win a row, writes EDWIN JOHN.

This Saturday it was visiting Old Basing seconds who were put to the sword by KJM sponsored home side as they beat them by 121 runs.

Wherwell lost the toss and were put into bat on a slow surface.

The home side openers played watchfully, seeing off the new ball.

Old Basing struck in the 10th over sending back Alex Gladwyn for 12.

Skipper Robbie Skeates was then out caught behind on a good looking 27.

The dependable Matt Cutts and Ollie Emslie were brought together but unfortunately both were dismissed soon after, leaving Wherwell 88-4 in 28 overs and in trouble.

Mike Cutts and Craig Beckingham came togetherness and knew they had to up the run rate.

They put together a fifth wicket partnership worth 104, before Beckingham was bowled for 34 looking for a bit hit.

Wherwell completed their 45 overs finishing on 216-6 with Mike Cutts unbeaten on 79.

Gaurav Wadwan was the pick of the visiting bowlers with 1-16 in his nine overs.

On a raging turner that could be a stand in for day five in Mumbai.

Wherwell bowlers started strong keeping the Old Basing run rate down.

Spin twin Nathan Young and Skeates took hold of the game and immediately made dents into the Old Basing batting quickly taking wickets and keeping the run rate down.

Young took 3-15 and Skeates 5-23 which was his maiden five wicket haul foxing the Old Basing batting line up.

Wherwell cruised to the win as Old Basing were shot out for 80 in 33.5 overs.

Steve Turner and Harry Trebert took one wicket each, with the only resistance coming from opener Jaden Hall with 27.

The result leaves Wherwell second and still closing in on promotion with the top two going up.

This Saturday, Wherwell are away to sixth placed Medstead.

They then finish their campaign on August 31 at home to lowly Ampfield and North Baddesley.

Compton and Chanders Ford seconds are the only team that can deny their promotion and they are at home to Stockbridge this Saturday and a week later entertain seventh placed Rowledge thirds.