FACING promotion chasers Kenn away was never going to be an easy task for Whitchurch Wayfarers 1st XI.

Whitchurch lost the toss and were asked to field on a hot, humid day against one of the leagues strongest batting sides.

Rich Hall being injured early on in the field didn’t help the cause. Williams (2-33) and Hodge (2-34) bowled tidily.

A 119-run partnership between Plumb (50) and Francis (62) gave Kenn a solid platform.

With two new batsmen at the crease there was a brief hope that the runs could be stemmed. Kerswell (0-27) kept one end tight but Kenn picked off the other bowlers at around 10 an over.

Mason hitting an unbeaten 56 at more than a run a ball was outgunned by a quickfire 41 off 15 by Chislett as Kenn raced to 287 off their allotted 45 overs.

For Whitchurch, it was more a case of maximising points. Wickets fell steadily from the start.

Goodfellow continued to show his promise before chipping to Gosling for 20. It was left to Hodge (40) and Barriball (35) to score the bulk of the runs.

A late flurry from Sambells (22) lifted Whitchurch to 169. Wickets were shared evenly amongst the Kenn bowlers, the home side romping to a comfortable 118 run victory.

Whitchurch’s future no longer lies in their own hands. With two games to go they need at least one win and help from other teams to avoid relegation.

Lewdown are 10 points in front with Stokeinteignhead a further four in front of them.

Whitchurch visit sixth-placed Bridestowe & Belstone 2nd XI next in E Division West before hosting leaders Babbacombe on the final day.