Francis Clark D division (West)

Dartington v Whitchurch

HAVING lost their unbeaten record the previous weekend, Whitchurch made several changes to the team. They brought in three youngsters, Woodrow, Heatley and Freedman, who have all been performing well for the 2nd XI.

The toss was going to be crucial as the wicket was looking like a bowlers? paradise. Stand-in skipper Lavis called correctly and had no hesitation in asking the hosts to bat.

After 18 overs, his decision looked vindicated as Dartington were struggling at 15 for 5. Lavis, 4 for 8, and MacDougall 2 for 16 from their spell of 13 overs each. All the bowlers were well supported by the fielders, which helped keep a tight hold on the run rate. Newcombe (46) was the only batsman to reach double figures. The hosts were finally all out for 99 in the penultimate over.

In reply, Whitchurch innings went from bad to disastrous, after losing a wicket to the first ball, and then proceeding to be 1 for 3 and 56 for 4. But then the in-form Barriball joined Buster Credicott at the crease. With excellent running between the wickets and some glorious ground strokes, they put on 63 before Barriball was out for 37. Credicott carried on to be the backbone of the innings, finally being out for 32.

With wickets still falling it was left to Youngsters Heatley (8no) and Freedman (4no) to see Whitchurch home, reaching 100-8 in the 45th over.

Whitchurch take 17 points and Dartington 4 points.

This Saturday, Whitchurch entertain Exeter Civil Service.