Whitchurch v Exeter Civil Service

ON a glorious sunny afternoon, champions Whitchurch entertained runners-up Exeter Civil. After losing the toss, Whitchurch were invited to bat first — a decision Civil's captain soon regretted.

With the championship trophy already sitting proudly in the clubhouse, Whitchurch were able to relax and play with complete freedom which allowed them to post their season's highest total.

With every batsman permitted to attack the bowling, the scoreboard rattled along.

The undoubted star performer was Devon U15 player Ian Gray who turned in his first Devon league 50. He was finally out for a hard hitting 67. There was another fine performance from U16 colt Isaac Newton, who made a quickfire 40.

As wickets fell at regular intervals with batsmen getting themselves out, the early good work could have been wasted. But last week's heroes, Chris Clapham and Rich Hall, ensured a demanding total would be set, Clapham finishing on 48 not out and Hall out for 42. The innings closed on 334 for 9.

With this daunting total Civil were never in the race as the pace attack of Lavis and Mills again served up another fine effort, Mills again being the pick of the bowlers with 2 for 34. And 55 year old veteran Fred Elliott rolled back the years and bowled well in tandem with Mansfield who had a timely return to form with the ball.

Only Mackie, who made a patient 37, delayed what should have been a comfortable victory.

But Whitchurch just could not take the last wicket and Civil limped to 171 for 9, Whitchurch getting 15 points and Civil 7 points.