Walkham Valley v Philanthropists FOR the first time since formation, Walkham Valley entertained the Philanthropists from Torpoint last week and enjoyed a thrilling encounter. Batting first, Walkham Valley were given another fine start of 44 by openers Rich Berry and Tim Baxter, both of whom smashed sixes in their lively partnership. Baxter was the first to go for 15, trying an ambitious shot against spinner Edwards. Bill Tynan then joined Berry, who continued to plunder the bowling, before retiring on 28 not out. James Vincent livened up proceedings with 24 quick runs, including five boundaries, while Tynan kept things ticking over at the other end. Vincent?s departure heralded the arrival of Sandy Ralph for a swift half dozen or so, and then along came Graham Vincent, whose handy 16 not out, including another six, and Tynan?s doughty 22 not out helped the Valley to a healthy total of 128 for 3. Pick of the bowlers for Philanthropists was Shaw, Naomi Edwardes and Stripling. Shaw and Fenn opened in vigorous fashion for the visitors, and both retired undefeated on 26 in quick time. Debutant Roger Smith then bowled Jeffrey, but, with only a single wicket down for 76, things looked ominous for Walkhampton, especially when Stripling heaved a huge six over square leg and Griffin shut up shop at one end. Things changed dramatically when Ray Spreadbury tempted Stripling outside the off stump and his powerful cut was clutched by J Berry at short extra cover. Spreadbury then clean bowled Medlam next ball and it was suddenly game on! Tynan came on to bowl and with his second ball accounted for Johnson who fell to a diving catch by J Berry at short mid-on. Eleven year old Mark Partington-Smith, making his debut for the Valley, bowled Naomi Edwardes, and in Bill Tynan?s next over he saw off Townron, caught by Sandy Ralph and M Edwardes clean bowled. When Sandy Ralph quickly disposed of Charlesworth to a nonchalant catch at backward square leg by Graham Vincent, Philanthropists were left with too much to do, and their innings closed on 110 for 8, with the returning Shaw undefeated on 41 and the stubborn Griffin not out 15. Walkhampton had strangled the scoring rate and accounted for 7 wickets for 44 runs in the last nine overs, to earn a creditable if unexpected victory. Tynan with 3 for 2, Smith 1 for 5, Partington-Smith 1 for 7, Ralph 1 for 9 and Spreadbury 2 for 18 did the damage, though some agile, alert fielding was also a contributory factor.