Whitchurch v Babbacombe firsts

THE top two in the division met at Whitchurch House on a gorgeous day for cricket.

The home side batted first and made a good start after the early loss of Powell. Watson and Towl brought the 50 up in good time. Towl was then trapped in front to be the first of three victims for Bates (3-19).

Watson completed another half century but was then out for 55. Throughout the Whitchurch innings batsmen got in and then got out. There were cameos from Billy Barriball, Josh Meadows and Rob Bone, but the familiar Whitchurch collapse left them reeling on 120-6. Broad (3-46) also in the wickets.

However, Whitchurch's batting line up is long and Charlie Barriball stuck around with skipper Credicott as they added 79 for the eighth wicket.  Charlie Barriball was eventually caught in the deep off Pugh for an excellent 61, his maiden first team half century.

Whitchurch completed their innings on 247-8, a good score but in those conditions one that would be difficult to defend.

Babbacombe's run thirsty top order started well. Aussie Hand made 50 and Paignton old boy Kingdon 33, as they reached 103-2 with plenty of overs in hand.

The young Whitchurch bowlers then came to the fore. Charlie Barriball with 2-42 and Rob Bone with 3-37 ripped through the middle order and made Whitchurch favourites.

All the bowlers were backed up by some excellent and committed fielding. When Redding was run out following a dropped catch, Whitchurch sensed the game was theirs.

Kerswill returned to the attack to mop up the tail and dismiss Babbacombe for 193, 54 runs shy of their target.

Whitchurch move to within four points of the leaders but must continue to grind out results as 'promotion' word begins to be considered.