Devon G West

Torquay seconds v Whitchurch seconds

WITH the Torbay Airshow providing a stunning background Whitchurch firsts provided their own entertainment with their best display of the year. Travelling to the Recreation Ground on the back of three consecutive defeats Whitchurch were much in need of a win.

Ben Powell won the toss and put the home side into bat. Sambells (2 for 36) and Towl (1-30) made the early breakthroughs and had Torquay rocky at 39-3 after 10 overs.  Pitts (56) dominated a partnership of 62 that started to swing the initiative until Pitts was well caught by Bone (4-34) off his own bowling.  Torquay lost their middle order in quick order as three more wickets fell including an even better one handed catch by Bone, again off his own bowling. At 118-8 the situation was looking promising for Whitchurch. The experience of Passenger (35) and Baker (46) added a valuable 71 runs in quick order taking Torquay to a total of 192.

After an extended tea break to watch the passing fighter jets Whitchurch took on the Torquay attack. With a mixture of exuberant attack and careful defence Powell (53) and Towl (106 not out) were not to be moved. Josh Towl in particular was in commanding form; loose deliveries were dispatched to the boundary and the many demanding deliveries were met with the full face of his bat. Their opening partnership of 138 was a joy to watch.

Like Torquay though the runs took time and with overs running out the game was not won. The introduction of Matt McCann (2-23) put some pressure on the visitors but the damage had been done and Vernon joined Towl to see the job done. Whitchurch returned home with a useful 19 points.