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Whitchurch v Michael's touring XI

WHITCHURCH won the toss and elected to bat, with 35 overs a side agreed due to the weather conditions.

Josh Towl and Charlie Barriball opened the innings and started soundly before Towl was caught in the covers. Charlie was joined by his brother Billy but soon joined Towl back in the clubhouse, again caught.

Billy Barriball hit some solid shots to the boundary but was caught out. Barney Magicks was in a hurry and soon holed out at mid-off.

Steve Hodge and Josh Meadows then took the game by the scruff of the neck, particularly the latter, who hit to all parts of the ground before in an unfortunate run out Meadows was out for 70. Hodge then struggled to eject pace into the last part of the innings, before being bowled for 28.

Ben Hodge and Chris Smerdon batted out the remaining overs and Whitchurch finished on 167-7.

Michael's XI started slowly with Wayfarer's Josh Towl bowling tight and ably supported by Steve Hodge; it was not long before F Walter holed out to Hammy Kerswill at mid-on.

The visitors then upped their game with G Evans scoring freely and scoring 30 useful runs.

Ben Hodge replaced Towl at the top end and bowled J Spence with his first ball. This brought the left handed H Fiddes to the wicket who took his time and played his shots to good effect, ably supported by M Fiddes (19), until he was bowled by Ben Hodge. Ben Hodge finished his seven over spell, taking 2-40.

Billy Barriball and Charlie Barriball also took wickets but H Fiddes (62 not out) and M Fiddes (22no) hit the winning runs, which came off the penultimate over as Michael's reached 170-6. It was an enjoyable day for both teams.