Devon seconds

D West

Whichurch secs v Cockington secs

THIS relegation tussle produced a splendid game of cricket with all results possible at the end.

Whitchurch batting made the worst possible start losing Ben Powell and Rob Bone in the first over. Doug Vernon and Bob Powell soon followed all to Stanlake (4-21), as Whitchurch slumped to 22-4.

Skipper Tamblin moved himself up the order and when Josh Towl fell to Furze, Josh Vernon joined him at the wicket.

In a reprise of their epic stand against Paignton thirds last season Vernon and Tamblin steadied the Whitchurch ship and saw off the opening bowlers.

Whitchurch progressed and the 50 partnership was added in 16 overs and this had been extended to 69 when Vernon was bowled for 36 by the returning Furze. Whitchurch then passed 100 before Tamblin was leg before to Furze (3-27) for 30. The tail was marshalled by Macrae as Whitchurch were finally dismissed for 122.

In Cockington's reply Whitchurch were soon among the wickets — aa good throw from Poole having Francis dismissed and Macrae took another wicket in the same over as Cockington slumped to 6-2.

Nicholls (24) and Cassidy were looking well set until skipper Tamblin brought himself in to the attack. His first ball turned and Nicholls was stumped. Tamblin then ran through the middle order, aided by catches from Vernon and Powell, to reduce the home side to 68-7.

Further wickets from Poole and Tamblin had Cockington at 72-9.

However, a fine counterattack form Cockington skipper Shaun Jarman kept the game in the balance. Tamblin followed five consecutive maidens to support his 6-19, but Jarman kept edging his side towards an improbable victory.

With eight runs needed, Jarman lobbed the ball towards the grateful and safe hands of Dunne at square leg and Whitchurch had their victory.