Devon seconds D West

Torquay seconds v Whitchurch seconds

THE young guns of Whitchurch seconds gave as good at they got in a feisty encounter away at Torquay. On a pitch that had been exposed to some heavy rain, Whitchurch won the toss and inserted the home side. Billy Barriball got the early breakthrough removing the dangerous Hunt for 7. Murphy then struck assisted by a fine catch from Towl, as Whitchurch's bowlers backed the captain's decision and had Torquay struggling at 22-2 off 10.

Weston and Jack that got in to their stride adding 61 for the third wicket, before Weston was well caught by Dunne off Tamblin for 31. At drinks Whitchurch were very much in the game. Jack, now batting with a runner remained steady while McClaw (20) and Crookes (46) upped the scoring rate.  Towl then took a steepling catch in the deep to remove Nadar for 14 off Murphy (2-41). As the overs ran out, Whitchurch kept things fairly tight, preventing Torquay getting a huge total. Jack was run out by his runner off the last ball for 95 as Torquay closed on 248-7.

In reply, Whitchurch made a measured start without looking too troubled by the overseas player Nadar. After Nadar struck, Billy Barriball counter attacked with a quick fire 29 before holing out in the deep. Whitchurch batted bravely — Bone (15) and Towl (18) with the larger contributions.

As Torquay became more and more desperate and frustrated the temperature rose, yet still Whitchurch held firm.  Nadar finishing with 3-13 and Crookes 3-26, completing the job with just 13 balls left for Whitchurch to survive for a losing draw.