Devon D division
Ipplepen v Whitchurch firsts
ONCE again this was a game of 'ifs and buts' for the Wayfarers, who too often for their own good this season, have failed to take advantage of situations or hold on to positions that they have earned. Losing to Ipplepen pushes the Wayfarers closer to relegation. The teams nearest to them have won two games whereas Whitchurch are still searching for their first win.
Ipplepen are a strong side and, batting first, scored 224. They didn't have it all their own way and the bowling showed much more promise. Vernon (3-48) and Billy Barriball (3-67) ensured that the score was not too high.
After 20 overs Ipplepen were sat on 93-4 and only the partnership of Curtis (52) and Watkins (69) settled the home team nerves. This was probably one of the better bowling performances of the year. With both Richard Hall and Aaron Churchill missing through injury the Wayfarer batting was seriously weakened. Martin Credicott promoted to opener made a more than useful 73. Ewen Smith (30) provided the early impetus but it was the partnership with Josh Meadows (44) that was the key. These two took the score to 163-4 with about 10 overs to go.
A win may have been asking a bit too much but a draw would have been fair reward for their efforts. Unfortunately, Watkins (4-34) and Thomas (4-39) made the breakthrough and the tail didn't even twitch let alone wag as Ipplepen took all 20 points.