Devon D Feniton v Whitchurch Newly promoted Whitchurch started off their campaign in D Division with a fine win against Feniton. Losing the toss and being put in to bat was possibly not the most auspicious start. Pyle was one of the top bowlers last season and went for only two runs per over in conditions described as 'low and slow'. Ben Powell (39) and Martin Credicott (25) laid solid foundations with an opening stand of 52 before Credicott was bowled by Davies (2 for 15). At drinks 58 for 1 probably pleased both teams. The Barriball brothers chipped in with good starts and took the score to 83 for 3. At that stage the wheels came off and wickets fell regularly with Pyle and Kingdon taking three and four wickets respectively. A final score of 119 left the visitors somewhat concerned although there was some celebration at Sambells demo-nstrating his newly acquired forward defensive as well as a fine 6. In reply Feniton made very slow progress against the opening attack of Billy Barriball (2 for 8) and Kerswill (0 for 18). In Billy's 9 overs only 2 runs came from the bat such was the control he exerted. At the half way stage the match was nicely balanced with Feniton 37-3 but a low score to reach. The next seven overs saw the game transform as Vernon (3-15) and Towl (5-9) ripped through the rest of the Feniton side. An excellent fielding display described as 'the best in four years' by captain Credicott, Whitchurch reduced Feniton to 53 all out. Amongst many highlights Kerswill's catch of Pyle was one that will linger in the memory. Forthcoming fixtures: Saturday 1st XI home to Yelverton, 2nd XI away to Shaldon; Sunday Ladies home to Sandford, friendly away to Elephant's Nest; Tuesday TEL home South Petherwin.

Devon seconds E (West) Whitchurch seconds v Plymouth fourths After a very soggy start to the season, both teams went in to this match short of any meaningful practice. New skipper Andy Wallace's first action was to lose a potentially vital toss, resulting in Whitchurch having to bat. The batting line up was a little fragile and not helped when Wallace was run out after a fine piece of fielding from Plymouth keeper Parsons. Hodge and Dunne hung around and got the scoreboard ticking, though most of the runs at that stage were coming from extras. Stroke play was tough on a sticky pitch that didn't come on to the bat. At the halfway mark Whitchurch were 48 for 4 and in need of a bit of rebuilding. Alfie Turner had done the damage with 3 for 15. The recovery came from the safe hands of the two old men of the team. Tamblin and Powell added 54 for the fifth wicket giving Whitchurch the chance to post a reasonable total. Powell made 34, but extras top scored with 49. Nigel Hughes showed his younger team mates how to bowl straight and was rewarded with 4 for 27. Whitchurch closing on 139 for 8. A decent effort in the conditions. After the break, Whitchurch's bowlers were soon among the wickets. Poole removed the dangerous Watson with a running catch from Tamblin, before Andy Hall took two wickets. With a run out as well after fine work from Northey and Powell, Plymouth were also in trouble at 31 for 4. Plymouth threatened to get back in to it, before Luffman took a sharp catch at slip off Hodge. The sun then came out and the game changed. The pitch flattened and the runs became easier. The Edmonds brothers rode their luck but also hit some fine shots as they raced towards their target. Liam was out for 42 with the scores level, leaving Like not out on 52 and seeing the visitors home. This was a promising start from Whitchurch with areas to work on for next week's trip to Shaldon.