Devon C West

Whitchurch firsts v Abbotskerswell

WHITCHURCH conceded a record total of 406-7 when they took on Abbotskerswell at home on Saturday.

Openers Mitchell and Durman got the away side off to a flying start. They saw their side bring up 50 in the first six overs with some aggressive batting. Whitchurch struggled to break their stand with both players making a half century before drinks. Durman was the first wicket to go down when a ball from Bone popped off a length and was taken at first slip. He went just 13 runs short of his hundred and the score was 174 when he fell.

Williams came in at three and was the only batsman to not make double figures, he went for six caught at mid wicket off the bowling of Whitchurch’s captain Billy Barriball.  Mitchell brought up his century and with his side on 200-2, batsmen coming in were under no pressure. Hill and Acton both made quick fire half centuries falling for 55 and 58 respectively meaning four of Abbotskerswell’s top five reached 50.

The away side ended up on a mammoth 406-7 at the end of their innings. 

Whitchurch’s run chase did not start well. Skipper Billy Barriball was bowled by Small - Boyce with the third ball of the home side’s innings for a duck.

Bone went soon after as he was caught at short mid wicket off Small-Boyce for 11. Charlie Barriball was the only Whitchurch player to look at home and he made a brisk 44 before falling to Beasant who ended the game with 6-25.

Ben Powell made 13 at number five but he was one of only three Whitchurch players who made it into double figures and the home side slumped to 115 all out.

Whitchurch have another home game next weekend against struggling Bridestowe and they will need to pick up a win and start to build a gap between themselves and the clubs at the bottom.