Francis Clark second X1 D (West)
Whitchurch 2nd XI V Mount Wise 2nd XI
WHITCHURCH clinched the league title in emphatic style on Saturday with an 87 run victory over Mount Wise.
Needing just one point to ensure promotion Whitchurch gained the maximum twenty with a gutsy display, typifying the previous efforts which saw them dominate the division.
Hodge (47) and Falconer (46), reunited after unavailability laid the foundations and relieved the pressure when the mandatory bonus point was secured upon reaching 100 without loss.
In a role reversal Falconer played with the maturity of a seasoned pro, allowing Hodge to stroke the ball majestically round the ground and in one case straight over it for six.
However both openers were lost in quick succession as the visitors showed why they had been in the title race for the majority of the season.
Nonetheless Heatley (43*) and Newton (57) accelerated the innings perfectly setting Mount Wise the tough target of 226 to win.
Not to be outdone Whitchurch bowlers immediately proceeded to bowl quickly and accurately and as so often this season Major Tom Ingram (2-21) kept one end tight gaining wickets for bowlers at the other.
Nonetheless the visitors did not make life easy for the newly crowned champions.
The deadlock was only broken when Falconer was brought on to bowl thanks to the ingenuity of the home side?s vice-captain.
Returning figures of 2-4 the opening bat justified the decision. It was however left to all rounder Heatley to steal the show.
Off just 3.1 overs he took 4 wickets thus clinching victory.