WHITCHURCH Cricket Club U11s entertained West Devon U13 girls in a pre season friendly.

West Devon batted first with Issy Cooper and Helen Jackman putting on more than 50 in the first 10 overs before retiring. The Whitchurch bowlers were strengthened by two U12s and stuck to their task with Aidan Hall, Billy Fletcher and Louis Huggins all taking  wickets.

For West Devon,  Imogen Beasley, Abi Ingram and Evie Pitman all struck the ball cleanly. Rebecca Banks and Ryan Gunther-Leece provided some testing deliveries before the West Devon innings closed after 35 overs on 152.

In reply the Whitchurch batters found it tough against some tight bowling particularly from Ciara O'Keefe, Issy Cooper and Sophie Knapp. Aidan Hall accumulating runs in his 18 over stay at the crease with Rebecca Banks and Jacob Blackburn-Denton also batting with skill. As the scored passed 100 there were hopes of a home win, but miserly bowling from Helen Jackman, Olivia Gibson, Issy Cooper and Abi Ingram  saw Whitchuch fall 42 runs short.

For Whitchurch Finlay Shaw and Callum Toms made impressive debuts, with good batting from Fynn Hall and Angus Dixon.

All U11s and U13 girls are welcome to join training on Friday evenings from 6.30pm-8pm at the club. The first outdoor session is tomorrow (April 19). No previous playing experience is necessary.

For details call Simon Fletcher U11s manager (075285 46432),  Tim Jackman U11/girls coach (078160 96017) or email Mhairi McCall at [email protected]">[email protected].