Whitchurch Wayfarers Second XI v Braunton WHITCHURCH won the toss and asked Braunton to bat, hoping they might be tired by the long journey. Rushton bowled a tidy spell but was not rewarded with a wicket. Abbott swung effectively across the line, before being deceived by Meadows having scored 40 out of the 54 on the board. The run rate slowed with Meadows bowling a teasing line. The introduction of Tamblin brought an instant response, as Kerswell flew through the air to take a stunning one handed catch to remove Mitcham for 5. That brought Kerr to the crease who rode his luck, mixing some thick edges with some powerful drives. Another good catch, this time from Heatley gave Tamblin his second wicket, but the scoreboard was now ticking over at a good rate. At 150 for 3 with 16 overs to go, Braunton looked set for a huge total. However, Whitchurch plugged away; Meadows returning for a second spell finished with figures of 1 for 36 off 12 overs. Braunton completed their overs on 231 for 4, with Kerr unable to complete his ton, ending on 98 not out. In reply, Hodge and Meadows started well adding 35 for the first wicket, before Hodge went for 14, the first of 3 wickets to James. A collapse then ensued due to some accurate bowling and poor shot selection. At 65 for 6 with more than 25 overs remaining  the writing appeared to be on the wall. Macrae and Kerswell had other ideas. Exhibiting staunch defence with fluent stroke play, they added 74 for the seventh wicket occupying the crease for 20 overs and taking their side to the brink of a losing draw. Macrae was finally bowled by James for 35 and in the very next over, Kerswell perished for 27 to Brigden. It was down to the tail to bat out the final overs and secure the losing draw.  Several byes went past — part of 48 extras — and with one over to go, Whitchurch had the 154 needed for a losing draw. Unfortunately, in the last over, Rushton became Brigden's sixth wicket and the game was lost. l This week Whitchurch Seconds travel to Stoke Gabriel, with the firsts at home.