Devon League E West Whitchurch seconds v Torquay thirds THIS was an excellent match between two balanced sides of experience and youth. Whitchurch's stand in skipper Tamblin won the toss and invited the visitors to bat. Andy and Gavin Hall kept the runs down, although no early breakthroughs were achieved. The introduction of Ben Hodge to the Whitchurch attack brought the first wicket. Carpenter was surprised by a full toss and missed out to be bowled for 32. Hodge then followed up with a fine caught and bowled to remove the other opener, Mather for 16.  A third wicket for Hodge (3-43) put Whitchurch right back in the game. McEwan rode his luck for a quickfire 34 before being well caught, low down by Steve Hodge off Northey (2 for 24). Two wickets in the last over for Tamblin (2-30) restricted Torquay to 175-8. Both teams secured a fourth bonus point off the last ball of the innings. Whitchurch boasted a stronger batting line up than usual, but found early runs hard to come by. Chappell made 24, but at 59-3, Whitchurch still had a long way to go. Two old heads got Whitchurch back in the game — Steve Hodge and Neil Tamblin played themselves in and worked the ball around, cashing in when the loose deliveries came. They kept the required rate at a manageable four and a half. 12 runs were taken off the 35th  over and Whitchurch seemed to be in the box seat, needing a further 36 off the last nine overs. Hodge completed his deserved half century, but was then caught and bowled by Paul Carpenter ending a partnership of 90. With four overs to go, Whitchurch were still in command. However, Tamblin perished for 41, also to Carpenter and then the panic set in. Twelve were needed off two, which became seven off the last over and then three off the last ball, or two for a tie. Carpenter held his nerve to claim his fifth wicket, as Torquay squeezed home by two runs.