Devon D

Whitchurch Wayfarers v Halberton and Sampford Peverell

FOR the first time this season Whitchurch first team find themselves out of the relegation zone after an important win against fellow strugglers Halberton. Whitchurch skipper Richard Hall asked Halberton to bat first.

Their experienced opening pair of Sambrook (49) and Blake (34) played with appropriate caution. Both Dougie Vernon (1-39) and Darren Sambells (1-50) bowled with accuracy but with little luck. The score crept along at snail's pace reaching 63-0 after 20 overs.  

The introduction of Josh Meadows (3-38) brought about an immediate change with the wicket of  Blake in his first over. He was quickly followed by Robbins well caught by Billy Barriball for 5.

At 94-3 and the overs running out Halberton upped the pace. Coles (22), Chilcott (39) and Fever (23) all made useful contributions without really dominating. 39 runs came off the last six overs along with a few dropped catches and Halberton closed on 179-6.

Whitchurch's reply was exemplary. Hall (47) and Smith (52) set the scene with a well paced opening partnership of 89. Billy Barriball (22) came in at number 3 and maintained the steady progress so that Whitchurch were comfortably set at 106-1 after 30 overs. There were to be no mistakes as first Dougie Vernon (19 off 12 balls) and then Josh Meadows (26 off 17) accelerated the home team to the winning line and a useful 18 points to go above Halberton.

n On Saturday Whitchurch firsts are away to Whimple; the seconds are home to Plympton thirds; on Sunday Whitchurch play a friendly away to Stoke Gabriel and a friendly on Wednesday with Dinton.