Devon D division

Whitchurch v Ipplepen

WHITCHURCH first XI playing at home for the first time this season should have given Ipplepen a closer game.

Opting to bat first, the home team would have been hoping for a score well in excess of 200 on a good pitch. Thomas (2 for 16) bowling a tight line proved to be hard to get off the square. Dougie Vernon (59) and Josh Meadows (31) showed that runs were there. With no partnership exceeding 43 (Doug and Josh Vernon) the Whitchurch innings lacked a real foundation.

Too many batsmen got in but failed to take their scores on. Generously given 30 extras Whitchurch closed on 193.

On the small Whitchurch House ground a total below 193 was difficult to defend.  

The opening salvo by Josh Vernon (0 for 28) and Darren Sambells (1-18) gave notice of the home teams intent. Unfortunately a series of dropped catches particularly of Tuckett (70) proved costly.

Ipplepen were let off the hook on too many occasions building up the partnerships that Whitchurch lacked.  Neil Tamblin (3-46) continued his good form of the previous week ensuring that a few bowling points were in the bag.

In the end it was a comfortable six wicket win for Ipplepen and a call to the practice field by captain Richard Hall.