Devon Cup U11s
Exeter v
Whitchurch Wayfarers
HAVING won the West Devon U11 league for the second year running, Whitchurch made the journey to Exeter for this semi-final.
Whitchurch stand-in captain, Luke Northmore, lost the toss and the visitors were asked to bat first.
The innings got off to the worst possible start with Barney Megicks run out off the first ball after fielder Matt Marsh, hit the stumps with a direct throw. On the last ball of the over captain Northmore was bowled by Luke Crocker.
In the next three overs, Ryan Alford and Christian Hodges were also bowled. With the score on 10-4, the prospect of making the final looked bleak. But Charlie Barriball and Ben Hodge began to build a partnership before Hodge was bowled for five. Josh Towl was bowled for four with the score on 58.
David Northey joined Barriball at the crease and they built a partnership of 30. Although Northey scored only one he batted well to defend his wicket. Barriball was finally out for an excellent 71 after batting for 24 overs. Shortly afterwards Whitchurch finished on 117 all out.
Hodges removed both openers. Northmore and Alford kept the pressure on, backed up by some good fielding, especially Dan Towl, playing his first competitive game, who saved countless runs. Alford bowled the big hitting Exeter captain.
After 15 overs the score was on 43 for 5 and Whitchurch were on top. But Exeter fought their way back to 88 when the elder Marsh was superbly run out by Northey. Whitchurch held their nerve to win by seven runs. They now play Bovey Tracey in the final on Sunday at Budleigh Salterton.
l In the West Devon League knockout cup Whitchurch beat Ivybridge by five wickets.