Devon seconds D West

Ipplepen seconds v Whitchurch seconds

WITH Whitchurch first XI’s game cancelled as the opposition could not raise a side, the seconds took a strengthened side to Stover to face divisional champions Ipplepen thirds.

The Pens batted first and made a good start but were then pegged back by an excellent spell from Sambells, who did not get the rewards he deserved including hitting the stumps but not dislodging the bails. His spell of nine overs for nine runs was superb in the context of a game with an average of five runs an over scored.

Marais finally got a breakthrough; Meadows taking a low catch at slip to dismiss Maynard for 35.

A sharp piece of fielding from Macrae then brought the second wicket.

Bell (42) and Alsop (55) added 53 for the third wicket as Whitchurch looked to contain their hosts below 200.

Webber took three late order wickets, but Pens were able to put their foot on the gas, adding a hundred runs in the last nine overs so close on 224-5. The total should have been attainable, but Whitchurch made things difficult through a lack of discipline and patience.

Towl (23) made a good start but gave it away. Marais made 30 before chipping one back to the bowler.

Throughout Creddicott showed his experience. Chipping away at the target, but unable to find anyone to stay with him and make the match winning partnership.

Ahead of the run rate for most of the innings, Whitchurch fell behind in the last few overs as the wickets continued to fall. Needing to do the job on his own, Credicott was the last man out for 89. Whitchurch coming up 19 runs short to give Ipplepen victory.

Ipplepen win.

THERE is just one more league weekend to go with the end of the season approaching rapidly.

With St Marychurch Old Boy’s conceding their their third game of the season in Devon D West Whitchurch first XI gained an easy 20 points. This puts them back in third place in the league but a mere eight points ahead of rivals Chelston and Kingskerswell. With Whitchurch facing Yelverton away on the final day of the season the odds are in Chelston’s favour.

The seconds are home to Dartington.

The Devon League will change to an ‘all through’ league for 2018 dropping the second XI league. Where teams finish this season can have a dramatic impact on which division they start the 2018 season.