Devon E

Whitchurch v Kentisbeare

WHITCHURCH'S promotion push is still on after a nervous afternoon at home to Kentisbeare.

Batting first, Whitchurch struggled to get going. Ben Powell scratched around, as Hazeldine got through his nine overs for just 16 runs.

Billy Barriball stepped on the gas with a quickfire 38 but his team were behind the run rate for setting a challenging total.

As the overs ran down, Powell was still ticking off the singles while his team-mates searched for boundaries. Kentisbeare's bowling remained tight and their fielding disciplined.

Josh Vernon's controlled aggression saw him score 44 to help his side over the 200 mark. Powell then departed for 52 with two balls of the innings left, the first of which Rob Bone launched over the bowler's head for a six.

Whitchurch posted 207-5, several short of par at home.

After the early loss of Thomas, Kentisbeare's reply was making serene progress. Farley with 71 and Ogden 37, helped their side to 121-1 with 12 overs remaining.

Whitchurch's fight then kicked in. A fast and hostile spell by Vernon ripped out the leg stump of both Ogden and Benzie to leave the visitors on 161-5 and the run rate nearing six runs an over.

A mix-up between Reed and Chappell, accompanied by some good fielding, gave Whitchurch another wicket, before Norman restored the 'swingometer' in Kent's favour again.

As the overs ran down it was nip and tuck. Skipper Barriball introduced himself to the attack at the critical moment, taking the responsibility on to his young shoulders.

With one over to go, Kentisbeare needed two runs with three wickets in hand. A single off Barriball's first ball, left the scores level. Off the next ball, Billy Barriball took a stunning return catch.

The nerves were jangling all around the ground.

Two more dot balls followed so it was down to the last delivery. Billy Barriball appealed for lbw but the coolest man in the ground, 'keeper Darren Chappell, casually picked the ball up and took off the bails to run out Norman for 23.

The scores finished tied with everyone mentally exhausted. Whitchurch collecting 15 points from the game.

Their nearest rivals Whimple came unstuck against division champions Babbacombe and only managed to pick up six points.

Going into the final weekend Whitchurch have a cushion of 12 points for the second promotion slot. Taking into account their performances over the last three weeks fingernails will again be needed as they travel to Kenn.