Whitchuch seconds v Bridestowe seconds
WHITCHURCH's unbeaten record went in a thrilling game against local high flyers Bridestowe. As always the Whitchurch pitch looked good to bat on, so home skipper Tamblin had hesitation to put his side in first. Jutson found some early swing though and bowled Powell through the gate with just 9 on the board. Daymond was then superbly caught at mid-on by a running catch from Prouse.
Billy and Nigel Barriball then added 26, before Nigel became Jutson's third victim. Whitchurch were scoring at quite a pace, but most batsmen got starts and then got out. Billy Barriball made 24, Josh Vernon 23 and Bob Powell 24, before Tamblin top scored with 28. Josh Monger hit his first 2 balls for 6, in a quick fire 18. Ewan returned figures of 3 for 42 as Whitchurch were bowled out for 173 in 36 overs.
The Bridestowe reply was added by some wayward bowling and poor fielding. Six catches were dropped - three in the first 2 overs – and 24 wides bowled.
Bridestowe were going nicely at 44 without loss, when Doug Vernon held a return catch to dismiss Batestone. Later in the same over Ewen was caught at slip by Daymond. Hatton soon followed for 27 and Whitchurch were back in the game. In the last over before tea, Tamblin took a catch off his own bowling to remove Ian Jutson for 20, leaving Bridestowe on 94 for 2 at tea.
After the break, Lee Jutson and Prouse stepped up the run rate, adding 61 for the fifth wicket, including Prouse clubbing three sixes in an over. Despite that onslaught Tamblin kept himself on and replied in style with a triple wicket maiden.
At 155 for 7 the game was once again in the balance. Runs became harder to come by as nerves set in all around. Tamblin added another wicket to complete his fifth wicket haul.
Bridestowe skipper Lee Jutson however remained calm and inched his side to victory with a composed 43 not out. Phil Down hitting the winning runs and securing the extra batting point, as Bridestowe won by two wickets.