Devon seconds D West

Whitchurch seconds v Lewdown secs

WHITCHURCH'S youthful second XI's baptism of fire in league cricket continued with what can only be described as a drubbing at the hands of high flying Lewdown.

Batting first visiting Lewdown compiled an imposing 263-3 on a hot day. An opening partnership of 195 between Brown (114) and Summersby (79) set the tone. Pool bowled a tidy spell of six overs for 10 runs but he was the only one to show real control in the early stages. Wides and no balls did not help the Whitchurch cause.

At the half way stage Lewdown had scored 130 runs for no loss and must have been looking for a score in the region of 300. That they didn't get anywhere near that could be put down to Charlie Barriball (0-35) and Dougie Vernon (1-42) who bowled tidily if with little luck going their way.

Brown went on to score a well deserved century and Summersby would have followed in the same way but for an excellent catch again by young Ben Hodge. That Lewdown didn't declare their innings would be one positive that could be taken from the game; in the circumstances they should have scored many more.

In reply a new opening partnership of Tom Dunne and Steve Hodge played with care and caution and put on a stand of 53. A change of bowling brought an abrupt change in fortunes. Hodge went for a well crafted 34 and the floodgates opened. Batsmen came and went in quick succession as Butler (5 for 18) and Edmonds (3-7) made short work of the job. Extras at 33 were comfortably the second highest scorers as Whitchurch slumped to 89 all out. 

At the half way stage of the season Whitchurch languish at the foot of the table some 25 points off safety with a difficult trip to Torquay to come.