Devon C West

Whitchurch Wayfarers v Plymouth Civil Service and Roborough

WHITCHURCH firsts lost out to local rivals Plymouth Civil Service and Roborough

in yet another close game for the Wayfarers.

Whitchurch lost the toss and got put in on a wet and green track that was only going to get better to bat on as it dried out. They got off to a flying start with Powell and Bone putting on 94 for the first wicket. Bone fell caught and bowled to Winsor (3-26). Powell reached his 50 soon after and he and Smith made it to drinks with the score 107-1 with Whitchurch in a commanding position.

Powell eventually fell for 61 with Winsor taking another caught and bowled. Whitchurch lost a few quick wickets but Towl came in at number seven and supported Smith who fell for 35 caught off Hawkers (1-21). Towl made a superb 38 not out pushing the home side to 223 after their 45 overs.

Wayfarers’ bowling did not start too well with runs flowing for the Plymouth CS and R openers but captain Hammy Kerswill turned to Bone and himself early to take the pace off the ball on a slow wicket. Bone (1-24) had Wilkinson caught at slip for 23 and Kerswill (1-47) picked up B Gaylard for 32 soon after.

The home side kept it tight but struggled to pick up wickets until Hodge came on and picked up Sanders for 24 and then the opposition captain Winsor for 13 leaving the away side 127-4.

A key partnership between R Gaylard and Walker saw the away side look favourites again but Towl (1-58) bowled Walker for 21 and the Wayfarers felt they were in with a chance.

Sharp, however, played a match winning innings for his side as he made 38 in quick time taking the game away from Whitchurch and although Vernon (2-43) had R Gaylard for 57 it was too little too late and Plymouth CS and R ended up reaching their target with just 2.3 overs left and seven wickets down.

Plymouth with 18 points are still in with a chance to edge promotion from the division while Whitchurch picked up eight leaving them close to safety with the bottom two teams still to play.

n On Saturday Whitchurch are home to Ashburton; the second XI are away to Plymouth fourths; on Sunday at Whitchurch host an ECB U19s triangular tournament.