Whitchurch Wayfarers v

Woodland Fort

WHITCHURCH made heavy weather of beating a side without a win all season.

Asked to bat first, Whitchurch added 42 for the first wicket. Mansfield (27), the key contributor, failed to build any other lasting partnerships, most batsmen making useful contributions of 20 or so, but no one going on to make a telling score. Brown was the pick of the Fort bowling, with 4 for 39. Whitchurch closed their innings on 160 for 9.

After an early loss, Fort raced off, with Stone blazing the ball to all parts of the Manadon ground. He was eventually dismissed by Tamblin for 67, with the score on 78 and only 15 overs gone.

Four quick wickets then tumbled to Tamblin (4-20) and Mills (3-39), reducing the home side to 107 for 8.

A partnership of 35 between Roberts (30) and Brown (18) took Fort to the brink of victory, but two late wickets sealed victory by 10 runs.

Whitchurch Wayfarers v Kenn

WHITCHURCH fielded a depleted side with six of the top seven batsmen unavailable, but still put in a creditable performance.

Whitchurch won the toss and inserted the visitors. Tight bowling from Lavis (3-49) and Horler (1-42) restricted Kenn early on. Murfin, 52, top scored before Tamblin snared the first of three good catches.

Lewis 28 and 26 from Chislett helped Kenn post a challenging score, all the while Davies chipping in with useful wickets as he finished with 4 for 59. Wonnacott and Gosling smashed 28 off the last 3 overs to swing the game Kenn's way.

Whitchurch made good progress in reply. Skipper Davies elevated himself to number 3 and promptly scored his first league half-century before being caught for 62. The lack of experience then told as Whitchurch fell behind the run rate. Chislett making things difficult with 5 for 46.

A score of 40no from Whittingham briefly gave Whitchurch hope of a sixth consecutive victory, but the loss of the eighth wicket meant they batted out the last 9 balls for a losing draw, closing on 174 for 8.

This week Whitchurch face Lustleigh in a potential winner-takes-all decider for promotion. 1st XI nets will be held at the club on Thursday at 6.30pm.