Devon C

Whitchurch firsts v Ashburton

Whitchurch made sure they would be playing C division cricket next season in emphatic style as they bowled Ashburton out for just 76.

Ashburton got off to a poor start with opener Lacey being clean bowled by C Barriball (1-17) in the fifth over.

In the wet conditions the Whitchurch quicks found it hard to keep their feet so captain Kerswill turned to spin. Bone (7-26) came on in the ninth over and picked up Causey with his first ball with Kerswill taking a good catch at short mid wicket. After that the wickets kept coming with Bone taking his second five-wicket haul in three weeks.

For the away side only opener McLellan (27) and Connabeer (11) made it to double figures. Kerswill (2-16) took the final wicket as he bowled Kirkby-West and Ashburton slumped to 76 all out.

Whitchurch’s run chase got off in flying fashion with Charlie Barriball taking 14 off his first five balls before falling to the final ball of the over caught at short cover off the bowling of West (1-24). Jacobs (27 not out) and Smith (30 not out) saw the game home for the Wayfarers after just 15 overs.

With that win Whitchurch picked up the full 20 points and have moved clear of relegation with other results meaning they cannot be caught. Ashburton came into the game already relegated.