Another Bennett half century puts Datchworth back on track

Datchworth posted a thumping eight-wicket victory over neighbours Knebworth Park at the weekend.

After a week of seemingly non-stop rain, Datchworth were indebted once again to groundsman Steve Nash for making a game possible and skipper Tom Bennett elected to bowl first on an overcast day despite missing the pace trio George Wallace, Michael Fisher and Jamie Clark.

Datchworth could not have started any better though, as stalwart Steve Stroomer (2-47) claimed the wicket of Mark Winchester (0) with his opening delivery.

Stroomer was outshone by his opening partner, the returning Dave Peat, who bowled with aggression and pace that saw him rip out the Knebworth top order, claiming the wickets of Alex Richmond, captain David Steadman and Haydon Bartlett-Tasker with all three barely troubling the scorer.

Peat’s devastating spell of 3-11 from nine overs saw Knebworth floundering at one stage at 22-4 and Datchworth were well on top.

Opening batsmen Ross Courtney provided the only meaningful resistance with a gutsy half-century, and forged a partnership of 40 with Nick English before the latter fell for 12 to young debutant Josh Martheze.

The bowler is a product of Datchworth’s youth system, and he returned encouraging figures of 1-13 off his six overs.

Tom Bennett, who recovered well from being despatched for a six on the second ball of his spell to return 1-30, and Nitin Sahni (2-25) completed Knebworth’s downfall, as a late flurry from the long-levered Ben Orchard (29) and a sizeable bye-count from the usually reliable wicketkeeper Luke Bennett dragged Knebworth to a sub-par 141.

Sadly the innings was over before ex-KPCC player Junior D’Abreu could be given the chance to bowl.

With full bowling bonus points guaranteed, Bennett made it clear that he wanted no less than 30 points.

In testing early conditions, Owen Dwyer looked to take the attack to Knebworth in his usual style, but he lost his off-stump to Ben Orchard (1-44) leaving a ball that jagged back some distance.

At the other end, swing-bowler Gareth Jones performed with consistency and control but could not make inroads.

Matt Stratten (17) joined in-form Luke Bennett at the crease, and the pair put on 75 for the second wicket as Bennett, who survived an early lbw appeal, cut and drove his way to his third half century in six games, a milestone assisted along the way by some lacklustre fielding including an incident which led to the ball being kicked over the rope for four instead of a catch being taken.

Bennett inflicted particular punishment on leg spinner Marcus Blackburn, who conceded 29 in just two overs, and was joined at the crease by D’Abreu after Stratten fell to the slow bowling of Richmond (1-36) with the score on 87.

D’Abreu settled quickly and found the boundary with ease, taking a particular liking to former team-mate Richmond, off of whom he bludgeoned the decisive four.

D’Adreu finished unbeaten on 31, walking off the field with Luke Bennett who took to applause in carrying his bat for a run-a-ball 84.

Just four seasons earlier, Datchworth were competing against Knebworth Park 3rds in Division Five.

Three successive promotions later this resounding victory against Knebworth Park 2nds, at the highest league level the club has reached, shows just how far this small village has come.

Up next are fellow promotion-chasers Redbourn, against whom Datchworth will be intent on maintaining momentum.

Dave Bartlett and George Wallace return, but can Bennett change a winning side?