BOTH of Whitchurch?s Devon League sides were left frustrated last weekend as the weather ruined any hope of play. The first XI should have been playing struggling Newton St Cyres and now require a good win against Kingskerswell this week to maintain their push for promotion.
The second XI were due to host bottom side Totnes, but the rain did not abate long enough for the pitch to dry.
Whitchurch did manage to play through the rain on Thursday, as Ashstead made their annual tour to the area. After a heavy shower, a 35-over match was started with the visitors batting first.
Despite the damp conditions, Ashstead made run scoring look easy, as Sidwell top scored with 61. Stokes and Reeve bowled tidily and Tamblin took 3 for 34, assisted by a couple of well taken catches. Ashstead posted a challenging total of 230.
Whitchurch made good early inroads. Mansfield and Aggiss (34) adding 70 for the first wicket in only 11 overs. Mansfield continued to play the shots which he is always capable of, leading him to a well deserved century.
Wickets fell at the other end as the light faded and new batsmen found the ball very difficult to detect. Mansfield was finally out for 118 in the penultimate over, Whitchurch falling short with 205.