Devon seconds D West

Whitchurch seconds v Yelverton thirds

WHITCHURCH continued their current form, but once again made hard work of their task against Yelverton.

Asked to bat first, the home side were soon in a lot of trouble. Veteran Tony Carter (2 for 12) and Dev Narote (3-25) had Whitchurch reeling at 33 for 5 after the first 16 overs.

Alford and Tamblin then set about steadying the Whitchurch ship. Alford had been in from the start but required a runner after a blow to the knee. Watchfulness saw off the openers and then the runs began to flow. Alford completed his half century, and the partnership had reached 100, when Alford was deceived by Payne and bowled for 62.

Tamblin now had his eye in and took on the Yelverton bowlers. He completed his half century and then cut loose on his way to a league best score of 75 not out. Tamblin and Ben Hodge (28no) added 55 unbeaten for the seventh wicket in six overs, as Whitchurch recovered to post 217-7. A score that had looked highly unlikely earlier in the afternoon.

Yelverton responded well. Luke Julian and Steph Hutchins took on the Whitchurch bowlers and brought up 50 within seven overs. The breakthrough came from a mix up, with Hutchins being run out. Julian continued to attack and had the Whitchurch bowlers searching for answers. Ben Hodge continued his good day with a couple of wickets, aided by catches from Northey and Webber.

Yelverton skipper Farnham then joined Julian for a crucial partnership. Forty runs had been added in quick time, when Tamblin held one back and Farnham holed out to Webber for 28.

Julian completed a deserved half century but was left batting with the tail. Hodge took another couple to finish with 4-36 and then Tamblin mopped up the tail with 3 for 31.

Julian carried his bat for an unbeaten 77 not out.

Whitchurch won by 43 runs and maintain their position in the promotion places.