Devon seconds E West

Plymouth fourths v Whitchurch seconds

WHITCHURCH seconds made the short journey to play Plymouth fourths at Torbridge school. On arrival they were greeted with Astroturf rather than grass as expected and hastily changed their plans.

The visitors lost the toss and were asked to field on a baking hot day. Plymouth made a solid start although the bowling was tight. Changes to the bowling brought more runs allowing Watson and Rothwell to get away. They added 91 for the first wicket until Rothwell was deceived by Hall for 38.

Watson continued to deal solely in boundaries and completed his half century despite a few lives along the way. Hope chipped in with 46 and at 167-2 with 18 overs to go, Plymouth looked set to post a huge total. However, Whitchurch fought back well. Watson was finally caught by Hall for 79, with Hall also taking 2-57.

Skipper Tamblin ripped out the middle order with guile taking 4-38, leaving Webber and Poole to clear up the tail. Plymouth were dismissed for 267 after a late cameo from Edmonds (35).

Whitchurch started well with Tamblin and Alford adding 82 for the second wicket, although the major contributor was extras.

The over rate was slow which restricted fluency. When Tamblin fell to Shaw (3-45), Whitchurch's middle order collapse ensued. From 85-1, Whitchurch were 100-5 and looking for batting points rather than victory.

Alford batted well to complete a half century as a few batting points were racked up. Haynes wrapped things up with 3-16 as Whitchurch were dismissed for 157.