Whitchurch Wayfarers v Kingsbridge

WHITCHURCH slipped up again as they suffered an 89 run defeat to Kingsbridge.

Whitchurch won the toss and elected to bowl on what looked a very green pitch that might offer a bit for the bowlers early on. Things started well for Whitchurch as Poole (1-41) picked up opener Badale for 0 caught at second slip. However, it was downhill from here as Westlake and Ford put on a second wicket partnership worth 114 for the away side to put Whitchurch on the back foot.

At drinks Charlie Barriball swapped the gloves for the ball and it paid off as he picked up Ford for 43 after mistiming a pull shot to square leg. C Barriball (3-48) picked up the wicket of Shepard for 13 as well but Westlake continued to hold the innings together and when he was finally out off Barriball for 104 the score was 192-4 and with wickets in hand Pike came in at number 6 and smashed 39 to get Kingsbridge to 264.

Whitchurch's run chase began well with Powell and Towl setting a steady platform but Towl was run out for 27 with the score on 45. Smith came in at number 3 and pushed on but took one risk to many as he was out for 27 bowled by De Silva (2-19). However, Whitchurch slumped from 75-2 to 124-6 with the middle order failing with batsman 4, 5 and 6 all falling in single figure scores despite Powell staying at one end. Powell was finally out for 31 bowled by Shepard (2-29).

Kevin Jacobs, superb counter-attacking innings of 45 was a positive for the home side but unfortunately it wasn't enough as wickets continued to fall around him and they were all out for 175 falling to yet another home defeat.

The Wayfarers walked away from the game with just seven points whilst Kingsbridge picked up the full 20. Whitchurch will have to improve dramatically next week as they host top of the league Dartington and Totnes.