Steep II?v Wickham: STEEP 2nd XI’s?chances of promotion from Regional Division 1 South increased after another comprehensive victory, this time over mid-table Wickham.

On a damp, autumnal-like afternoon, Steep won an important toss and had no hesitation in asking Wickham to bat first.

Steep’s opening bowlers, Jack Paul and Jon Noble, each picked up a wicket as Wickham were left reeling at 15-2 after just four overs.

Reed and Hayward put on 68 for the third wicket before Cosgrove had Reed caught behind by McCubbin for 18.

Steep then picked up wickets at regular intervals as the away side limped to 144-8 from their 42 overs.

Sixteen-year-old Jack Paul was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 4-34 from his nine overs. Mark Lewis also picked up two wickets.

Steep were undoubtedly favourites at the tea interval but victory was by no means guaranteed given the poor overhead conditions and an experienced bowling line-up.

However, any fears that Steep had were allayed as Gareth Dale and Tom McCubbin put on 129 for the first wicket, before Dale was dismissed for 74 with victory in sight.

It was left to birthday boy McCubbin to complete the victory, finishing on 53 not out as Steep reached their target of 145 with just one wicket down in the 34th over.

This was Steep’s fourth win in a row, obtaining 94 points out of a possible 96 in the process, and they travel to Locks Heath on Saturday knowing victory will guarantee them promotion.