Devon seconds D (West)

Whitchurch seconds

WHITCHURCH Seconds season closed in the gloom at Lewdown, with the young showing encouraging signs for next season.

With bad weather forecast, Whitchurch asked their hosts to bat. They struck in the first over, with a slow full toss from Sherrell being looped up to Tamblin at short leg. Skuse and Butler than added 50 for the second wicket until Butler (27) dragged on a delivery from Sherrell (2-42). Skuse continued to chase the score along completing a fine half century.

The introduction of spin to the attack changed the momentum of Lewdown's innings. First Bone held one back to bowl Marais and then a flighted delivery saw Skuse well caught in the deep by Tamblin for 63.

With Lewdown 120-5, Whitchurch were right in the game. Against the twin spin attack of Bone and Barriball, runs were difficult to score.

However, as the overs dwindled Tom Pengelley counterattacked on his way to a maiden senior and league 50. Pengelley was eventually out for 52 caught by Sherrell off Bone who closed with 3-45 — his best league figures. Lewdown closed on 205-7 as the rain clouds rolled in.

After an extended tea break for rain, Whitchurch began their reply with the early loss of Dunne.

Powell and Bone batted sensibly against the accurate bowling of Butler (2-18). Whitchurch's progress was steady if not spectacular.

The arrival of Sherrell and Barriball advanced the scoring rate with 46 added for the fifth wicket. Barriball fell for 26 to Marais (2-25). In the gathering gloom 17 overs were still left with Whitchurch on 110-5 and Jackman 23 not out.

With more rain falling the skippers shook hands and called it a day.