Devon seconds D West

Whitchurch seconds v Shaldon thirds

ON a busy Bank Holiday weekend, it was to Shaldon’s credit that they arrived with 11 players.

Shaldon won the toss and asked Whitchurch to bat. Much of the bowling showed lack of practice, with 43 wides being bowled. Mansfield and Gibbs found it difficult to get any rhythm. However, the scoreboard rattled along at eight an over. Mansfield and Marais adding 141 for the second wicket in 16 overs.

Shaldon’s problems then got worse with a nasty injury sustained. Whitchurch lent a fielder who proceeded to take a fine catch to dismiss Mansfield for 80.

Whitchurch then had a mini collapse as Marais followed for 68, bowled by Sherri Couch (2 for 31). Powell (37 not out) and Tamblin took the score to 263-4, when skipper Webber declared with 10 overs to go. The weather forecast suggested that thundery showers were due at 6pm.

Whitchurch’s bowling also showed a lack of practice, often too short or too wide.

Shaldon had scored 58 for the first wicket in just nine overs, with Shilabear the main beneficiary. The introduction of man of the match Marais to the bowling had an instant impact; Hall assisting with a fine catch.

As the accuracy of the bowling improved, Shaldon found it harder to score runs. Webber took two wickets in two balls, including an excellent return catch and then Marais (3-10) dismissed Shilabear for 49. With the thunder clouds gathering, Whitchurch upped the over rate chasing the full bonus points.

Tamblin bowled ‘all sorts’ to induce false shots and duly took 3-10. Northey wrapped things up as Shaldon were dismissed for 103.