Second XI E (W)

Lewdown seconds v Whitchurch seconds

IN this top of the table clash both sides were struggling for bowlers, but Whitchurch having lost the toss were invited to bat first.

Andrew Vernon made an early breakthrough removing Barriball. Daymond and Doug Vernon then batted patiently to see off the openers of Gibbs and Vernon who bowled an accurate line.

With a change of bowling, Whitchurch stepped on the accelerator. Daymond and Vernon going on to complete a century partnership, before Vernon was caught off Barnes for 43.

With the score on 107 for 2, Sherrell was licensed to attack and did so to devastating effect. He dominated a partnership with Daymond scoring 68. Daymond went on to complete a deserved half century and eventually made 57. Vernon returned to the attack to go through the middle order, as Whitchurch lost wickets in a bid to set a defendable target. Vernon finished with 4-48 as Whitchurch closed on 229-9.

Lewdown got off to a rapid start. Martin (18) and Gibbs (42) added 71 for the first wicket in 14 overs. A change in the bowling changed fortunes in Whitchurch's favour. Tamblin turned one just enough to catch the edge of Martin's bat, and Smerdon took a sharp chance behind. Vernon then removed Gibbs with no further addition to the score.

Shortly after Tamblin claimed a hat-trick. First Squire nicked one to Smerdon again, and then Barber was bowled first ball. The hat trick ball wasn't a great delivery, but Squires slashed at it and Smerdon took another catch.

From there Lewdown were looking for the losing draw. Hayden frustrated Whitchurch for a long time, but wickets continued to fall at the other end. Tamblin completed his spell with 5-19, as Vernon (2-49) and Barriball chipped in with other wickets.

It was left to Dom Monger to remove Hayden, assisting by a stunning one handed slip catch by Daymond, and then Ben Powell to wrap up the victory, as 'keeper Smerdon snared his fifth victim. Whitchurch winning by 97 runs.