!st XI D Division West

Yelverton v Whitchurch

THE final game of the season saw Whitchurch 1st XI face local rivals Yelverton needing at least nine points to ensure third position in the league.

The vagaries of the league structure meant that this was the fourth time the two teams had met. Results from the previous meetings had Yelverton winning two comprehensively with one abandoned due to rain. Yelverton were assured second place in the league.

Losing the toss Yelverton were, unsurprisingly, asked to bat first.  

Darren Sambells (3 for 25) continued his good form of the season by taking the first three wickets leaving Yelverton uncertain on 33 for 3.

Grove (21) and the dangerous Van Niekerk (34) brought much needed stability to the innings.

Things were looking ominous for Whitchurch until a smart piece of fielding by Ben Hodge saw Van Niekerk run out.

With three more wickets falling quickly Yelverton were in trouble on 87 for 7.

A commanding innings of 83 not out by Tom Watkins peppered with boundaries saw Yelverton to a demanding total of 198. He was well supported by young Keylock (14).

All now rested on the batting of Whitchurch. Previous results would suggest that 198 would be too many.

Showing considerable resilience the Whitchurch batsmen defied the odds and put on a display to warm the hearts of their supporters.

Towl (16) and Credicott (66) set the scene with a patient 30 for the opening partnership until Towl was trapped lbw.

The score eked its way to 77 for 3 when Powell (not out 53) came to the crease.

He and Credicott then built the match winning partnership of 81.

It looked as though they would take Whitchurch through to the victory when Credicott missed a straight one and had to go.

Tom Cotter (19 not out) joined his captain and the pair saw Whitchurch over the line to a decisive 19 points.

The result placed Whitchurch in the top three of the division just as hoped at the start of the season.

Picture by Richie Bolgiani.