THE first Mansbridge and Balment sponsored cricket week at Whitchurch was held last week and saw a lot of fine cricket played across the four days.
On Monday Mendip Acorns made their annual pilgrimage and went away with the better half of the game. Batting first, Acorns made 252 with overseas player Lahiri top scoring with 118, assisted by Lunn with 72.
Whitchurch made a game effort to knock off the runs, Hulme making 102. However, late wickets from Lunn (4-23) and Gover (3-42) saw Whitchurch come up short.
Hulme was in the runs again on Tuesday, in a high scoring match against Old Down. Hulme made 97 and Chappell blitzed 115no as Whitchurch posted a formidable total of 322 in a time game.
Old Down were in no mood to sit around for a draw, Snell making 112. Three wickets apiece for Jeff Faulkner and Ed Hulme restricted the run chase as Old Down came up just short but with an admirable 305 for 9.
On Wednesday, Davenham (Cheshire) made their first appearance at Whitchurch. In a close game, Davenham batted first and were struggling at 120 for 9, thanks to Tamblin (3-30) and Clapham (3-34). Harrison with 83 not out meant that his side were able to post a final total of 182.
In reply, Whitchurch were
cruising. Shorrock with 57 had helped his side to 156-3 with plenty of overs in hand. However, in the face of some aggressive bowling from A Wright (5-31) Whitchurch slipped to 182 all out.
Finally, on Thursday, the Elephant?s Nest played an evening game at the club. Whitchurch batted first, Kelly 32 and Tamblin 39 laid the foundation for Chappell to launch another assault, this time scoring 68 off the last 5 overs by himself.
The Nest batted well in reply. Neale making 27. However, the star for Whitchurch was colt Greg Johnston as he returned the fine figures of 5 for 13 from his 4 overs, the Nest closing on 145-9.