Devon seconds D West

Whitchurch seconds v Paignton seconds

WHITCHURCH’S stop-start season is beginning to count against them as they slipped to a second defeat.

Paignton won the toss and invited their hosts to bat first. Wallace (18) and Credicott (28) saw off the new ball, but were out softly. Both had got starts and failed to push on, which would prove to be the template for most of the Whitchurch innings. Terry Farkins leading the way for Paignton conceding just ten runs from his nine overs.

Alford made 16, Mansfield 24 and Marais 43 as Whitchurch set a platform but did not capitalise. Maximum batting points were secured with six overs to go, but a fine spell from Archie Farkins (4-11) meant Whitchurch were all out for 215. Probably 40 runs short of a good score.

After tea, Whitchurch needed to hit their straps from the start — and missed out.

Medlock hit the first ball on the innings out of the ground and in partnership with Archie Farkins continued to make hay from some wayward bowling. Medlock completed his half century as 102 was added for the first wicket.

Ben Hodge (3-29) produced the spark for the breakthrough, assisted by Bob Powell behind the stumps – Medlock out for 62. Farkins followed in the next Hodge over for 23 and Whitchurch could have got back in the game.

However, three dropped chances and a missed stumping proved crucial. Talbot and Terry Farkins re-established Paignton’s dominance building a match winning partnership.

None of the other seven Whitchurch bowlers were able to influence the game or provide any control.

Talbot finished 56 not out and Farkins 38, also not out, as Paignton cruised home by seven wickets with more than five overs to spare.