Francis Clark Devon League D division (west)

Whitchurch v Keyham and Buckfastleigh

ON a wet Saturday the wicket was covered by forward thinking skipper Chappell before the heavy showers and this gave a slim chance of completing the game.

The match was delayed by two hours and each team were permitted 28 overs for their innings.

Again Chappell won the toss and decided to field on a fast drying wicket and outfield.

With Lavis and Horler (1 for 25) forming a genuine opening pace attack, Keyham?s run rate was pedestrian. It was only when Jones (56) and Shroeder (42) came together that the runs came quickly.

Yet again Frank Bray (2 for 40) was the pick of the bowling. In support of the bowlers, there were some stunning fielding contributions, notably Pat Mills, who saved a considerable amount of runs.

From their 28 overs, Keyham finished on 148 for 5.

In reply, Hall (29) and Credicott (13) got the innings off to a flier. But as so often happens to Whitchurch, there was a mini collapse, going from 35 without loss to 60 for 4.

With the game in the balance, Chappell promoted himself up the order to number 6 and joined Barriball at the crease. These two shared a partnership of 85 in 12 overs.

With victory in sight, Chappell was out for a brutal 37. It was left to Barriball, who made a majestic 49 not out to hook the winning runs with almost 5 overs to spare.

Whitchurch take 17 points and Keyham 4.

This Saturday, Whitchurch take their unbeaten record to Ashburton.