Francis Clark Devon League D division (West)
Whitchurch v Lustleigh
WHITCHURCH made the journey to league favourites, Lustleigh, which is a tough fixture made harder by the absence of skipper Chappell with a bad back.
Stand-in skipper Luke Lavis won the toss and stuck Lustleigh in to bat.
On this small pitch, the bowlers and fielders had to be at their best.
They were for the first 26 overs as Lustleigh struggled against the youthful attack of Horley (1 for 39) and Mills (4 for 52).
When their spells finished, Lustleigh were on 101 for 5.
However, the last 20 overs were a different story with bowlers showing no control over their line of length.
The last 20 overs went for 173 runs, including an 87 run stand between Foot (59no) and Reynolds (46) off just 33 balls. Lustleigh ended on 274 for 8.
In reply Whitchurch made steady progress with Gray (50) and Stokes (33) keeping the run rate within sight.
Whitchurch stumbled slightly as both their wickets fell close together but the game was still in the balance with 10 overs left.
With five wickets left, a stylish 47no by Barriball and classy 26no by Hall were to no avail as Whitchurch ended up 238 for 5, taking 11 points and Lustleigh 13.
This week Whitchurch entertain high scoring Cullompton.