Devon D West

Whitchurch Wayfarers firsts v South Devon firsts

WITH points at a premium Whitchurch approached their return fixture with South Devon with some trepidation. The first game had resulted in a resounding victory for South Devon and the Newton Abbot team were now firmly placed for promotion.

The home team’s prospects were not improved by being asked to field on a blistering hot afternoon. When the opening pair Allen (47) and Wright (44) raced away with a 73 run partnership things appeared to be getting worse for the Wayfarers. These two were winkled out by Kerswill (3 for 28) but at 124-3 the visitors still held the advantage.

Ben Hodge had had a torrid time with the ball in the first encounter. On this occasion though his flight and guile made life really difficult for the batsmen. His four wickets tore the heart out of the South Devon line up leaving them 180-7 and in deep trouble. A spirited knock of 30 by Beaumont brought about the full five batting points but a total of 220 on a good pitch was on the low side.

Whitchurch’s reply started poorly. The scoreboard quickly showed 20-3 and then 30-4 as the South Devon’s Goodman (1-27) and Allen  (2-55) showed why their side were set for promotion.

Josh Towl and Dan Towl then set root at the crease and saw off the rest of the mainline bowlers. Scoring at a steady four an over the scoreboard finally began to tick over.

The fifties passed without any further incident; as the score passed 100 and then 150 without any further loss or sign of trouble the home team’s confidence rose.

Josh Towl (104) finally chanced his arm once too often but by then the damage was done. Brother Dan (51 not out) alongside Tom Jackam (21 not out) ensured there were no more alarms. Whitchurch cruised home by five wickets and a full 20 points. While South Devon are still set for promotion Whitchurch secured their place in this league for another year.