THE Mansbridge & Balment Cricket Week started with an internal club tournament at Whitchurch Wayfarers with a six a side competition. Teams comprised a mixture of the Colts and a couple of senior players. A large crowd throughout the day witnessed some harem scarem running and lusty hitting, with wickets at a premium. The weather held off just long enough for the final to be played, with Matt?s Marauders beating Neil?s Spinners by 15 runs. This was a great family day at the club, sure to be repeated next year. On Monday Mendip Acorns were the visitors to Whitchurch. Acorns batted first, Stephens (33) and Burge (21) persevering against some tight lines from Murphy. Four wickets for Churchill turned the tide briefly, before Hunt (51) and Sibeya (58) helped Acorns passed 200. A couple of late wickets from Stokes saw Acorns bowled out for 207. The Whitchurch reply was underpinned by a masterclass from the guesting Gray. His mature innings of 83 not out was ably supported by Woodrow (41), Barriball (32) and Sherrell (16). Sibeya bowled a hostile spell for Acorns without taking the vital wickets. Whitchurch were able to cruise home by four wickets with more than three overs in hand. On Wednesday, Ryde IOW were the visitors. Murphy again starred with the ball, taking 3 for 18, to reduce Ryde to 40 for 3. However, Ryde had juggled the batting order, with a batting masterclass being exhibited by Tolfrey. He eased his way to a century before holing out to a fine catch on the boundary from Cleave off Tamblin (3-28). A few hefty hits from Grainger late on, meant that Ryde posted a challenging total of 261 for 9 in their 40 overs. Grainger was soon in the bowling action, removing Cleave. Barriball (48) and Witcher started Whitchurch towards their target, but the main contribution came from Whitfield. In partnership with Churchill (25) and Elliott (32), Whitfield passed his half century giving Whitchurch real hope of achieving victory. When Whitfield was dismissed for 73, Whitchurch?s chance went as well, as the tail failed to maintain the steep run rate. Blackman (4-48) cleaning the innings up for 235. Thursday saw the visit of Cornwall over 50s. In a time game, the over 50s batted first. Whilst wickets were hard to come by, tight accurate bowling meant that the run rate was very slow. The pick of the bowlers being Jonny Elliott who conceded 12 runs off 10 overs, Murphy with 1 for 8 off 7 overs and Tamblin with 2 for 9 off 9 overs. Phillips carried his bat through 56 overs to end on 92 not out as the over 50s declared on 184 for 5. Whitchurch?s reply was similarly contained by accurate bowling. Mason leading the way with 4 for 13 off 12 overs. Folley top scored for the Wayfarers showing his full range of leg side shots to score 41. Witcher (31) and Tamblin (21) kept Whitchurch in the hunt but too many wickets fell and it was left to Elliott and Murphy to block out the last three overs and hang on for a deserved draw. This was a successful week. Whitchurch extend their thanks to Mansbridge & Balment for their sponsorship during this week and over the course of the season. l Finally, both league matches this weekend were abandoned due to the weather. The first team were due to play Lustleigh at home, but the square was under water. The seconds travelled to Kingsbridge and had reached 12 for 0 off two overs, before the game was abandoned.