WOKINGHAM skipper Stuart Hayter is looking for more consistency from his side as they prepare to visit Thames Valley League leaders Cove on Saturday (1pm), writes Dave Wright.

The Oaks won three of their opening five games, all over the 50-50 format, and are in fourth place going into the first of their timed fixtures following their win over Cookham Dean at Sadlers End on Saturday.

But Hayter believes there is still room for improvement.

“Obviously, I was pleased to beat Cookham Dean,” he said.

“We looked to be struggling at 52-4, but good knocks from Archie Carter, who really dug in, and Simon Myles, batting on one leg (due to pulled hamstring) dragged us up to 233.

“We still thought that might not be enough, but our bowlers really put in a good performance with spinners Jarrett Bobb and Paul Dewick slamming the door shut on them (Cookham). They were never really in it after those guys bowled.”

Carter was out when just one short of half century, while Myles overcame his discomfort to make an excellent 67 off 60 balls.

There were also useful contributions from Jacob Clark with 33 at a run a ball and Tom Wood, who remained unbeaten on 32 after occupying the crease for just over an hour.

Cookham Dean never looked like reaching their target and were all back in the pavilion for 172 in 43.3 overs, with Paul Dewick taking 3-31 off 10 overs and Jarrett Bobb 3-40 off 10.

Hayter added: “It was a very pleasing performance and now we have got to try to take what we are doing at home into our away games.

“The longer format may help as it brings the spinners into the game like Jarrett and Paul. They can bowl a lot longer spell and that will make a difference.”

Several of the Wokingham players are blowing hot and cold, and last Saturday it was the turn of their former first-class duo, Danny Housego and Michael Bates, to miss out with the bat, making just two and four respectively.

“We do need to show a bit more consistency as we have not quite found it yet,” Hayter confirmed.

“Three wins out of five is okay, but we haven’t quite put things together away from home yet. Once we do that then hopefully we will build up momentum.”

In Division 3a, Anthony Clapham (80 and 5-36) inspired Wokingham 2nds (200) to a 56-run win against Newbury (144).

Steve Levett took 3-8 as Wokingham 5ths (108-1) hammered Kidmore End 3rds (107) by nine wickets in Division 9a. Dan Heath made 45 not out in the run chase.