Stoke Gabriel second XI Whitchurch Wayfarers second XI v WHITCHURCH were able to record their first victory of the season with a courageous display against Stoke Gabriel. Wayfarers were put into bad first on a 'patchwork' pitch and Stoke Gabriel would have been hoping for a quick dismissal as it appeared to be a bowler friendly pitch. The home side got off to an excellent start with a tremendous catch to dismiss Hodge in the second over, but a gung-ho performance from Meadows pushed Whitchurch quickly on. When Meadows fell for 20, and Macrae was adjudged lbw for 0, the game was in the balance. But opener Newton, and number five Heatley steadied the ship - putting on well over 70 for the fourth wicket. A combination of staunch defence and elegant stroke play brought Newton to 68 before he was caught behind. Whitchurch looked to push on late, with notable knocks from Churchill, Dennet and Kerswell. They succumbed to 219 in the final over, an intimidating total for any team to chase. In the Stoke Gabriel reply, Dennet and Griffin bowled tightly, but were unable to get a breakthrough. First change bowler Macrae took two early wickets as Whitchurch looked to push on, but a few dropped catches ensured they were never in total control. In his second spell Macrae dismissed Nand-Lal for 58, their only batsmen who looked likely to push on for a Stoke victory. Macrae finally ended with 7 wickets for 17, off 12 overs, as Whitchurch earned a commanding winning draw. This is the Wayfarers' first victory of this campaign, and should give them the gusto and hardihood needed to push on in the following weeks. Whitchurch Second XI 15pts, Stoke Gabriel second XI 11pts.
