Devon D division

Halberton v Whitchurch

FOR the first time this season Whitchurch first XI notched up a victory and a very valuable 19 points that keeps the prospects of staying in D division alive - if still in intensive care.  Whitchurch travelled to Halberton with a stronger bowling line up and this showed as the home side struggled for runs.

Opening the bowling Sambells kept his usual tight line without the success he has deserved. Webb provided the penetration that Whitchurch have lacked all season with 3-40 as he took out key top order batsmen.

Seabrook (44) and Coles (55) provided the biggest threat but when Woodrow snared Seabrook the door was open. Meadows (3-58) mopped up the tail and Halberton were kept to an attainable 216.

For much of this season the bowling and batting havent been strong in the same game and it was clear that when they did then the team was good enough to win games.

Halberton found this out as all the top order batsmen got runs. Woodrow (29), Powell (36), Jackson (21) and Frost (32) got the chase off to a sound start. With no one going on to make a match winning score it needed runs from the lower order.

Harding 2-53 and Coles 3-69 were a real threat but Heatley (41) and Meadows (36 not out) bridged the gap and their partnership took Whitchurch to the brink of a rare victory.

There was a slight wobble when Heatley was out but nerves held and Whitchurch were guided home by the experienced Nigel Barriball.

Devon second E (W)

Whitchurch seconds v

Cornwood fourths

WHITCHURCH bounced back to winning ways with a comprehensive victory over Cornwood.

Cornwood were struggling for players and had no hesitation in asking the home side to bat first on a damp but drying track. This was the ninth toss in a row that Whitchurch have lost and on every occasion they have been asked to bat.

Doug Vernon made a bright start, hitting four sixes in a quick fire 29. However runs were then harder to come by as Williams (3-34) and Smith (3-34) bowled tidying.

At drinks Whitchurch were poised on 66-3 and able to accelerate to post a big score.

Alford and Powell added 67 for the fourth wicket before Alford walked passed a straight one and was bowled for 41. Powell and Josh Vernon then added 73 for the next wicket. Powell the anchor while Vernon played the shots until he was out for 49.

Powell then completed his half century with a six over the pavilion. Whitchurch posting 239-8.

Cornwoods reply was all about survival after Josh Vernon made an early breakthrough removing Smith.

All Whitchurchs bowlers maintained a good line and chances were being created. Doug Vernon chipped in with two wickets and when Crunch was bowled by Tamblin for 24, the hard work was done.

Two run outs further wickets for Tamblin (4 for 22) hastened Cornwoods demise. Kerswill wrapping the game up as Cornwood were dismissed for 115.