Devon E

Whimple v

Whitchurch firsts

WHITCHURCH left the sunshine of West Devon to play fellow promotion chasers Whimple in a damp East Devon.

The Wayfarers won the toss and inserted the home side knowing that rain was bound to play a part at some stage in the game. Indeed, two overs were lost before a ball was bowled.

On a huge, fast outfield Whitchurch struggled to contain the runs early doors. Gordon-Lennox and Thompson adding 77 for the first wicket inside of 16 overs.

Sambells continued his fine form to get the breakthrough supported by a sharp catch at slip by Bone. However, Whitchurch struggled in the field with a succession of chances going to ground.

Gordon-Lennox was eventually out for 66, but 35s from R Brown and M Brown kept Whimple on top.

After another rain interruption the overs were reduced to 40 a side. Whitchurch fought back at the overs ran out, with Sambells taking three wickets and Towl two.

Whimple completing their innings on 237-8.

In the right conditions and with better application, the target should have been attainable. However, Whitchurch lost Powell in the first over and the middle order soon followed.  

As the weather worsened, so did Whitchurch's batting. Only Watson and Bone made double figures as Whitchurch slumped to 39-6. Palfrey (4-23) and Hathaway (2-17) doing the damage.

At this point the weather worsened and the umpires took the players from the field. Whitchurch ran for the safety of the dressing room, while Whimple had to be dragged off the field.

It then became a clock watching exercise. The rain did not cease and stumps were drawn with no further play.

Whitchurch salvagied 10 undeserved points from the game. Moreover, they only lost four points to Whimple in the fight for promotion, when a points swing of 16 looked on the cards.