Devon D

Countess Wear v Whitchurch

WHITCHURCH first XI were down to 10 men as they travelled to Exeter to face newly promoted Countess Wear.

Winning the toss new captain Richard Hall put the home side in. On a breezy day in a lovely park setting Vernon (1 for 61) and Sambells (2-45) bowled with pace on a pitch freshened by overnight rain.  Darke gave an early chance behind the stumps but then went on to make a total of 91.

Darke and opening partner Dias punished anything wayward and the score rattled along at close on six an over. The introduction of veterans Joel Heatley (2-45) and Neil Tamblin (0-55) put a slight brake on the run rate and certainly gave the batsmen some problems. It was one of those days when catches never seemed to go near a fielder and with Billy Barriball pulling a hamstring early in proceedings '9½' men were always going to find it difficult to protect the large outfield.

Under the circumstances a final score of 248-3 was something of a victory for Whitchurch as the home side should really have capitalised on the circumstances. Nigel Barriball and Richard Hall showed particular athleticism in the field with Bob Powell also saving runs with quick reflex stops.

The second innings quickly showed that any optimism was misplaced. Dias (3-18) and Layer (1-11) bowled an accurate and consistent line that proved too much for Whitchurch.

Hall was beaten by a good delivery but with the score at 18-3 an early finish was on the cards. Heatley (24) and Powell (10) provided some resolute resistance as they hung around for 17 overs providing some distant hope of a draw but as soon as they went the final batsmen were out in quick order leaving Whitchurch on the wrong end of a heavy defeat.

Devon seconds division D West

Whitchurch v Torquay

Whitchurch seconds v Torquay seconds

THE strength of Whitchurch youth were to the fore in the second XI first encounter of the season.

Visitors Torquay batted first putting on 243 for the loss of just two wickets with Jack (55), Penrice (87 not out) and Hunt (63) all in the runs.

It was the Whitchurch youngsters who starred belying their youth with displays that give great encouragement for the future.

Dan Poole (2 for 34) bowled particularly well against batsmen who were already well set. Doug Vernon (0-67) was unlucky not to get reward for some quality opening bowling. In the field Johnny Goff and Tom Dunne shone as they worked hard to contain the run rate. Captain Gavin Hall (0-36) proved that he is still the wily old campaigner.

Chasing 243 with such a youthful side was always going to be difficult. Man of the match Doug Vernon (52) was the lynchpin in an innings that really needed someone to partner him. 

Although both Bone and Dunne batted really well the opposition were too strong and the visitors won by 109 runs.