Devon E

Whitchurch firsts v Kilmington

HAVING had a lucky escape thanks to the weather away at Whimple last week, Whitchurch failed to respond and put in another below par performance at home to Kilmington.

Their league position was not too badly affected as their nearest rivals, Whimple, also lost.

Batting first, conditions were against the Wayfarers, with a few early showers enlivening the pitch and slowing the outfield. Nonetheless, most batsmen played themselves in, looked set and then were dismissed.

Whitchurch's run rate was high from the start. Powell made 14, Bone 39 and Billy Barriball a quickfire 32. Noble dismissing all three, bowling his nine overs straight through and taking 3-44.

After 18 overs Whitchurch had scored 85, but were four wickets down. Meadows then played his best knock of the season, dealing mainly in boundaries on his way to 54. With support from the tail, Whitchurch posted 188 all out. Gooding with 3-41 and Rockett 2-7, clearing up for the visitors.

Despite being short of a good score, the target should have been challenging, but once again Whitchurch's bowling lacked discipline. A proliferation of wides and boundary balls, helped Kilmington get a good start. Meakings made 45 and Wilmott 22, as Kilmington passed 100 with ease.

Gooding hit some lusty blows on his way to 64 not out, although Kilmington did suffer a late collapse with Charlie Barriball taking 3-35 and also combining with Meadows for a run out. However, Whitchurch's rally was too little too late as Kilmington getting home by three wickets with more than seven overs in hand.