FOR the second year running, the final Saturday of the cricket season was disrupted by rain sweeping across the county.

Whitchurch Wayfarers 1st XI started the day a mere six points above the E Division West relegation spots with the daunting prospect of hosting champions elect Babbacombe.

Heavy showers throughout the morning didn’t prevent the visiting team travelling across the county; there was the prospect of sun in the forecast. A final downpour at 12:30 put paid to any prospect of play and both captains agreed to cancel the game and take away eight points each.

Attention turned up the road to Lewdown who would need to beat neighbours Bridestowe to overtake Whitchurch and climb out of the remaining relegation slot.

Unsurprisingly, the weather decided the outcome. That game was also cancelled.

Whitchurch, once again, escaped relegation on the last day of the season with some help from the weather.

Meanwhile, Whitchurch Wayfarers 2nd XI travelled to face Plymouth Civil Service & Roborough.

With other games washed out, PCSR knew only a win would see them promoted and champions. There was therefore no surprise that, on winning the toss, they asked Whitchurch to bat first.

Whitchurch jumbled the batting order and were soon five wickets down.

Solid contributions from Hodge (17), Ed Roberts (17) and Woodcock (34) saw Whitchurch collect some batting points. Harry Griffiths once again showed his potential with 26. Tariq (3-22) saw Whitchurch dismissed off the final ball for 154.

PCSR did not hang around in their reply, rattling along at seven an over. Nur Ahmed (20) was well caught by Griffith, whilst Gaylard (36) and Tariq (55*) got PCSR close to their goal.

Whitchurch shipped 35 extras - an area that needs a lot of work over the winter. PCSR romped home by eight wickets to achieve their goal and be crowned G West Champions.

For Whitchurch, it was a solid season and an improvement on 2025.