Whitchurch Wayfarers 2nd XI v Ivybridge 2nd XI ON Saturday, Whitchurch entertained promotion chasing rivals Ivybridge. After yet again winning the toss, the Whitchurch captain invited Ivybridge to bat first on a wicket that looked as if it had something in it for the bowlers. Again, the teenage opening bowler partnership of Daymond and Churchill did well to contain the aggressive batting line-up of Ivybridge. At the halfway stage the score was 95-2 and a big score looked on the cards. Vice captain Heatley had other ideas as he ripped out the heart of the line-up finishing with 3 for 58. After the talented Borrow was bowled for 45 and big hitting Henderson (29) was caught superbly on the boundary by Barriball, Daymond and Churchill returned to try and wrap up the tail. The effort of all the bowlers was nearly rewarded as Ivybridge stumbled to 2-9 for 9 from their allotted overs, Daymond returning figures of 3 for 34 from 11 and Churchill 2 for 45 from 11 overs. The bowlers were well supported by an all round excellent fielding display, especially Restall who took two great catches. In reply, the dependable partnership of Hodge and Warwick got Whitchurch off to a steady start. With Stuckey keeping one end tight and building pressure Warwick was out lbere, hitting across the line. Stuckey bowled his allotted 13 overs straight through, ending with 0 for 28. Run machine Heatley then joined Hodge at the crease. With the run rate now above seven per over, Hodge, trying to increase the rate, unluckily dragged the Ball onto his wicket for a patient 36. As boundaries were required, Whitchurch captain, Barriball, promoted himself up the order. Immediately the ball started visiting the boundary fence as both Heatley and Barriball took the game to Ivybridge. Fast bowler, Coker, returned to the bowling attack and took some harsh treatment from both batsmen. Barriball sprinted to his 50 from only 27 balls and shared a partnership of 108 runs from just 11 and a half overs with Heatley. With tiredness sinking in, and the job almost done, Heatley was caught for a brilliant 61. The following over, Barriball (72no) finished the run chase with another boudnary straight back over the bowler?s head. Whitchurch won the game by 7 wickets and took 19 points, with Ivybridge getting 6 points. This Saturday, Whitchurch travel to another promotion rival, Bradninch.
