Bridestowe v Whitchurch Wayfarers

WHITCHURCH needed to return to winning ways against Bridestowe if they were to keep their hopes of promotion alive.

Despite a late scare they managed to come home from the local derby with 19 points.

Batting first, Whitchurch faced an accurate opening spell from Fogerty (1 for 25) and Dennis (1-36) that kept them in check. Veteran Fogerty conceded only 3 runs in his opening spell of 5 overs. Bone (5) and Charlie Barriball (11) were the early victims. Billy Barriball (45) and Ben Powell (50) put together a solid third wicket stand of 91 and were rarely troubled as they played with caution knowing that a good score was needed.

As the innings moved into its final third an acceleration of the run rate was called for. Both fell to Mallet (3-42) but the foundation had been built. Meadows came in for a breezy 19 launching a six off the second ball he faced. Wallace and Vernon both chipped in to keep the score board ticking and the innings concluded on 197.

In reply, Bridestowe made a similarly circumspect start. Sambells (0-39) was unusually wayward but Vernon (3-27) got a couple of early wickets putting Bridestowe on the back foot. The introduction of Kerswill (3-30) brought about a change in fortune.

Each of his three victims failing to score meant that the scoreboard went from a reasonably comfortable 53 for 2 to 70 for 6 with Towl also taking a wicket. Things rapidly became worse and, at 91 for 8 the match looked like it wouldn't last too much longer.

Throughout this loss of wickets, opener Hatton (74*) was patiently waiting for someone with whom to build a partnership. Dennis coming in at number 10 proved to be that person.

Dennis hit a 50 off 44 deliveries and the game was turned on its head. From 91 for 8 the situation changed to 176 for 8 with only 21 more runs required with over 10 overs remaining.

At the death Dennis tried to hit his second six only to find Meadows in the deep who took a fine catch and the game didn't last much longer.