Devon Seconds E West

Whitchurch Wayfarers v Plymstock

Whitchurch found the going against bottom of the table Plymstock a lot harder than expected. Plymstock won the toss and invited the home side to bat.

Whitchurch lost early wickets. Syed Ali, bowled fast and aggressively making run-scoring difficult. As a result Taper capitalised at the other end taking 4- 61. At 45 for 5, Whitchurch were in trouble, but a great rebuilding partnership between Ben Powell and Tom Jackson turned the game around. Powell started the brighter as Jackson found his feet in his first knock of the season. Runs were scored in good time on a fast outfield. Once Jackson was in, he played some lovely shots all around the ground and was the first to pass his half century. A 100 partnership soon followed, before Powell completed his first half century for the club. Powell was eventually bowled by Howe (2-23) for 58, after a partnership of 134. Jackson then followed soon after for 80. Tamblin and Bob Powell added a further 36 for the ninth wicket, taking the total past 200 before Whitchurch were finally all out for 225 in 38 overs. Heath clearing things up with 2-4.

Whitchurch were quick out of the blocks in reply. Sharp in the field and bowling good lines. The hostile Josh Vernon was the first to strike. Bird was run out by Doug Vernon, who hit a single stump from point. Ali was then at the crease and he battled away with little support as Vernon ripped through the batting at the other end. After his first spell, Vernon had taken five wickets. Ali and Taper added 77 for the eighth wicket, before Ali went for one big shot too many and was bowled by Doug Vernon for 97.

The end was then nigh. Tamblin took a tumbling return catch off his own bowling, but it was left to Josh Vernon to return and wrap up the victory, returning the excellent figures of 6-38 from 9 overs.

Whitchurch took the maximum 20 points and Plymstock 8pts.

Future fixtures: On Saturday Whitchurch are at home to Lewdown while the seconds travel to Lewdown. On Sunday sees Hythe and Dibden in a much anticipated touring fixture while the ladies travel to Topsham. Wayfarers' U13s and U11s are away. Tamar League on Tuesday A team travel to Okehampton and the B team host Callington.