WITH Whitchurch Wayfarers 1st XI situated in the E Division West relegation zone, it was a must win game for them against Bridestowe & Belstone 2nd XI at the Millaton Ground on Saturday, August 22.

Whitchurch lost the toss and were asked to bat. At first drinks (after 15 overs), Whitchurch had started positively reaching 69 without loss, with Potts particularly dismissive of any loose deliveries.

Bridestowe finally made a breakthrough in the 24th over when Potts was caught in the deep by Wood for 68. Whitchurch were 121-1.

Opening partner Hodge kept ticking over and reached his season’s maiden 50, ably supported by Barriball (42*). Hodge was finally dismissed for 73 in the 37th over.

At 175-3, the visitors were looking good but Whitchurch needed all five batting points. Barriball steered the tail to reach the magic total of 225 on the final delivery.

Chris Lavis (3-29) and Rich Drake (2-35) were the pick of the Bridestowe bowlers.

Bridestowe started off their innings in similar fashion, with their opening pair putting on 67 before Brimacombe dismissed for 17.

Phil Woods continued his positive stroke play along with Toby Gosling. Putting on 65 for the second wicket until Woods dismissed for 73.

At 132-2, the game was finely balanced. Bridestowe had wickets in hand but the required run rate was climbing.

The introduction of Kerswill (2-42) and Hodge (3-39) swung the game in Whitchurch’s favour. Bowling tightly, they reduced Bridestowe to 144-5.

When Sundandan was well caught by Goodfellow, Whitchurch could sense victory. The pressure was on capturing the final three wickets.

Nathan Prout (2-30) and Darren Sambells (2-43) returned to the attack to finish the job. Bridestowe fell 27 runs short of the target.

Whitchurch were rewarded with 20 points for their best team performance of the season, coming at a crucial stage of the campaign.

The tension continues into the last week of the season- the Wayfarers are out of the relegation zone but will conclude 2026 up against champions Babbacombe 1st XI at Whitchurch House.

Rock-bottom Paignton 3rd XI (157 points) will likely be too far out of reach but second-bottom Lewdown (164 points), Whitchurch (170) and Stokeinteignhead (170) are all on the chopping block.

Next up, Lewdown host sixth-placed Bridestowe and Stokeinteignhead visit fifth-placed Plympton 2nd XI.

Meanwhile, with their division status secured, Whitchurch Wayfarers 2nd XI had the luxury of being able to relax against promotion chasing Chagford 2nd XI.

Whitchurch won the toss, decided to bat first and made a great start at 60-1 off 10 overs.

Chagford introduced the spinners and the lack of pace made scoring harder. Matt Roberts departed for 38 as Brijnath (2-19) and Mawle (2-14) turned the screw.

Mckenzie (18*) and Tamblin dropped anchor to allow a late order push for runs. Lower order boundaries from Griffiths and Hall helped Whitchurch post 149 for 9.

Chagford lost an early wicket in the chase to Endean (2-33), but contributions from Dore (22) and Howell (55*) meant that Chagford were always in control.

Whitchurch's fielding was varied with a few missed chances but also a one-handed snaffle from Griffiths to get rid of Dore.

Chagford eased home by seven wickets to complete their season. They now face an anxious wait to see if they secure promotion. Whitchurch face PCSR 2s on the final day and could do Chagford the favour they need.