Devon C West

Whitchurch v Babbacombe

WHITCHURCH came into the game looking to make it two wins from two whilst Babbacombe were looking for their first win of this year’s campaign.

Wayfarers’ captain, Billy Barriball, won the toss and elected to bowl first on a slightly damp track. Before the game a minute’s silence was held for Brian Barriball. He was a well respected Whitchurch life member who passed away on Friday evening. The Barriball tradition continued with two of his grandsons playing in this game.

Whitchurch got off to a good start with the ball, Charlie Barriball picked up the first wicket bowling Chris Penner for just 4. Billy Alcock and Mike Pugh steadied the ship for the home side. Billy Barriball then followed in his brother’s footsteps bowling Alcock for 40 with the score now 84-2.

Iraq Thomas was making his debut for Babbacombe and he made a quick 26 before being bowled by Rob Bone and Bone then picked up Steve Broad, caught by Charlie Barriball at point and Whitchurch were beginning to put the squeeze on.

Marc Kerswill had Damien Callard lbw for 3 as Babbacombe lost three wickets for nine runs. Mike Pugh was still at the crease though and was guiding the home side to a respectable total.  Matt Inch came in at number eight and he scored a valuable 28 before he was caught behind off Kerswill. Pugh finished the innings unbeaten on 90 and guided the hosts to 217-6 off their 45 overs.

 In reply Whitchurch lost Bone early but Ewan Smith and Billy Barriball put on 72 for the second wicket before Smith was caught at cover for 40 off the bowling of Goodwin.

Whitchurch then collapsed from 78-2 to 125-7 with Goodwin picking up three of Whitchurch’s top four. Charlie Barriball, Josh Towl, Tom Cotter, Ollie Macrae and Dan Poole all went for single figure scores with only Ben Powell (10), Marc Kerswill (10) and Darren Sambells (12*) making it to double figures with Broad taking three wickets and Thomas picking up two as the hosts ripped through the Wayfarers middle order. Whitchurch slumped to 157 all out despite a solid start. Babbacombe picked up the full 20 points whilst Whitchurch went home with just 6.

Devon seconds D West

Whitchurch seconds v Plymouth fourths

THE Seconds got their season underway with a good win at home to Plymouth. New skipper Jason Webber lost the toss and was invited to bat. Alford and Wallace saw off the new ball mixing some fine shots with a few lucky edges.

Wallace was looking well set when he hit a full toss to Hart and departed for 33. Alford soon followed and a familiar Whitchurch middle order collapse ensued as they slipped from 67 for 0 to 76-4.

Old hands Credicott and Powell soon turned things back in Whitchurch’s favour adding 58 in good time for the fifth wicket. Credicott was well caught for 34, as Powell continued to push on. 54 was added with Hodge as Whitchurch neared 200.

Powell had been given out lbw but was sportingly recalled by Plymouth due to an inside edge. However, he did hole out soon after for 43. Whitchurch edged towards and passed 200 in the final over closing on 203. Two wickets apiece for Gray and Ahmad.

The Plymouth reply also made a solid start, until Wallace snared a drive off Stephenson. A smart piece of bowling and keeping from Hall and Powell then saw Hancock stumped for 24.

Whitchurch continued to make inroads at regular intervals, with fine catches from Powell, Mansfield and Wallace.

At 86-7, Whitchurch were reasonably in command. Foukes responded for Plymouth with some lusty blows as the Whitchurch attack was put under pressure and lost its rhythm.

Tamblin (3-39) held one back to deceive the dangerous Hart, assisted by a juggled effort from Alford.

Foukes blasted his way to 43 not out, but ran out of partners as Mansfield (2-0) mopped up the tail. Plymouth dismissed for 132. Hall the pick of the bowlers with 2-26, with Hodge chipping in with two wickets.