Devon seconds D West

Whitchurch v Ipplepen

WHITCHURCH’S Way-farers seconds’ excellent run of form continued with a comfortable win over Ipplepen.

The match started in soggy conditions which would favour the team winning the toss. Webber lost the toss so Whitchurch batted first and were soon in trouble at 11-2.

Wallace and Marais (18) steadied the Whitchurch ship adding 69 for the third wicket, until Marais was bowled by Stanley (2-25). Wallace marched on passing 50, now supported by Powell (20). At 130-5 with 15 overs to go, Whitchurch needed to re-group before a final push. Wallace continued to find the boundary as he made his maiden league century.

Together with Tamblin, Wallace added 109 unbeaten for the sixth wicket, as the fight was ripped out of Pens. Wallace carried his bat for 116, while Tamblin made 42 not out as Whitchurch made 245-5 at the close.

With the pitch now dry and the sun out, Whitchurch’s bowlers came to the fore. Hall (2-31) and Prout with two wickets reducing the visitors to 41-4.

Ipplepen’s skipper Borlase counter attacked despite being injured. He and Cowdry (34) frustrated the Whitchurch attack adding 92 for the fifth wicket. Prout then returned for his second spell and clean bowled Borlase for 63. Prout would also remove Cowdry to finish with 4-52. Tamblin (2-19) and Webber cleaned up the tail as the visitors were all out for 173.

This gives Whitchurch their eighth win in a row and keep them top of the table. With three games to go, 33 points will see them up.