Devon E

Whitchurch Wayfarers v Topsham St James

IT was agony for Whitchurch Wayfarers who came within touching distance of their first win of the season only to be denied by the weather.

Whitchurch dominated much of the game after Topsham had made a steady start against the accurate bowling of Towl and Frost. Skinner (18) and Richardson (36) added 47 for the first wicket.

The introduction of Barriball to the attack swung things in Whitchurch's favour. With three wickets in his first spell, Topsham slumped to 73-5. Treleaven counter-attacked with a quick fire 34, but further wickets for Barriball (5-43) and Meadows (2-26) saw Topsham dismissed in the last over for 168.

After the early loss of Barriball in reply, Credicott and Newton laid the foundations for Whitchurch's run chase. Newton was bowled by Juary for 16, before Credicott (39) added 40 in partnership with Charlie Barriball (21).

Whitchurch were well ahead of the run rate as the weather began to threaten. At 106-4, rain forced the players from the field, but no sooner had the players left the rain abated and play continued. Meadows was determined to get the game over with as soon as possible smashing 50 from 29 balls.

With eight needed, Meadows was bowled by Treleaven (3-29). Skipper Barriball came and went and five were still needed when rain forced the players off the field again.

This time lost was terminal. After 20 minutes of incessant rain, the umpires removed the stumps and declared the match abandoned. Whitchurch had chances to win the game, but still took 14 points from this encounter.

The Whitchurch Second XI match at Paignton was cancelled on Friday night because Paignton IVs could not raise a side.