Whitchurch 2nds v Chagford

AFTER last week's heroics against Torquay it was back to earth with a bump as Whitchurch Second XI were beaten at home by Chagford.

Put into bat first Whitchurch made a solid start after the early loss of Towl. Steve Hodge (31) and Bone (15) played with caution against the accurate bowling of Pitts-Tucker (4 for 37) and Moss (3-29). Picking up boundaries on a regular basis they moved the score along at a steady if unspectacular rate. When Bone went, well bowled by Moss, Steve Hodge was joined by Dougie Vernon who played with more dash quickly adding a couple of typically towering sixes. These two pushed the score along so that Whitchurch were looking good at 80 – 2. A double strike by Pitts-Tucker saw both batsmen go.

Josh Vernon and Charlie Barriball edged the score along to pass the 100 mark. With 16 overs remaining and a score of 100-4 the time was ripe to accelerate to a challenging total. Instead Whitchurch collapsed to 133 all out. The experienced Andy Alford put in a tidy and responsible not out 20 but the rest of the lower order could muster only one run as they were comprehensively outgunned by Chagford.

In reply the Whitchurch bowlers all returned respectable figures as they asked lots of questions. Towl (1 for 40) had the early wicket of Whittingham but Chagford were able to build partnerships in a way that had evaded Whitchurch. Holland (not out 48) formed the backbone of a solid performance.

In the end it was quite easy for Chagford but the young bowlers of Whitchurch could take some solace in the five wickets they managed to prise out.