A THOROUGHLY enjoyable game was played out between strugglers Whitchurch and high-flying Plymouth Civil Service. Whitchurch won the toss and invited the home side to bat on a pitch which had received three inches of rain the night before. Civil started well, belying any demons which may have resided in the pitch. After 17 overs they were cruising at 111 for 1 and looking set for a big score. However, Whitchurch showed a lot of character and fought their way back in to the game. Tamblin dismissed Dent for 43 aided by some good glove work from Hodge and then removed Walaszowski for 70 after a sharp catch by Poppe. Lockyer nurdled his way to 51, before Heatley triggered the collapse. Fast getting a reputation as a good ?death? bowler Heatley took 5 for 26 as Civil closed on 235 for 9. A good total but 50 less than they should have got. Whitchurch?s reply was more sturdy than in previous weeks. Hodge (30) and Falconer (23) built a solid foundation upon which their side could attempt the run chase. Both fell to Ley (4 for 31). Stokes and Heatley then took up the baton. With 130 required off the final 16 overs and with wickets in hand, Whitchurch were set fair. Heatley then blasted 28 off an over from Williams and the run chase was on. Daymond made a rapid 27, before Heatley completed a good all round day, with a fine 50. Heatley eventually fell to Lisney (2-36) for 67, as Whitchurch lost 3 wickets in 9 balls. The tail were able to push the total past 200, but the chase ebbed away. There were a few hearts in mouths as Sambells had to go in and keep out the final delivery, but he accomplished this with a rare defensive shot. Whitchurch can take heart in a good all round team performance on which they hope to build at home to Bideford this week.
