Whitchurch Wayfarers v Kenn
THE Wayfarers extended their lead at the top of the table, picking up 19 points against title rival Exeter Civil Service, who slipped to bottom of the table and tallied a meagre 5 points.
Now 22 points clear of second place, and with both remaining games at home, Whitchurch are hotly tipped to lift the E division champions title.
Skipper Darren Chappell rediscovered his form with the coin and asked Kenn to bat first. The reliable Steve Lavis was in impressive form, ripping through the hosts? early order. He has bowled exceptionally well all season, and ended with figures of 5-26. He was ably backed by fielding coach and pace bowler Matt Mills, veteran Dean Elliott and John Jackson. Jackson has played his last game of the season. His experience with both bat and ball have been vital in the Wayfarers? success.
After the break, Jackson opened the batting with Martyn Credicott. They set about Kenn?s bowling, hitting their way to 102 for the first wicket. With only 109 to win, the game was soon over. Credicott carried his bat for an unbeaten 50, Jackson 52.
The title could be decided on Saturday if Whitchurch record a maximum 20 points, although Ivybridge will prove tough opponents as they have a chance of overtaking Civil into second spot. 1.30pm start at Whitchurch.
Whitchurch 2nd XI v Roborough
THE second XI picked the wrong day to be off colour, as they slipped up at home to the ten men of Roborough and threw away any lingering hopes of promotion.
Whitchurch lost the toss and were invited to bat first. Roborough bowled tightly, but Whitchurch failed to pressurise the field. After 25 overs, there was only 75 on the scoreboard and Richard Hall had contributed 60 of those. Hall was then run out for 69 after a mix up with Mitchell.
Stokes (31no) and Woodrow helped things along, but Whitchurch were always behind the clock needing 200 on a good pitch and to claim maximum batting points. They closed on 172 for 6 from their allocated overs.
Roborough got off to a better start than Whitchurch had, posting 59 for the first wicket, before Mansfield was out to a fine catch from Stokes for 32. Williams (40) and Jordan (26) continued to chance their arm by hitting the ball in the air, but always away from the home fielders.
Stokes (2-14) achieved the important breakthrough, bowling well in tandem with colt Woodrow (3-39).
At 114 for 5, Roborough were reeling, but Whitchurch let them off the hook. Smith (25) and Barnicott (27) took them to the brink of victory and left Berry to score the winning runs.
Whitchurch took six points from this defeat and are now in third place in the table.