Whitchurch v Babbacombe First XI

WHITCHURCH travelled to Babbacombe eager to build on last week's promising start.

Skipper Credicott lost the toss and his side were asked to bat. Kingdon and Passmore bowled a tight line and runs were hard to come by. Powell was out early following a misjudgement, leaving Bone and Credicott to consolidate.

At drinks wickets were in hand, but runs weren't on the board — the score being 39 for two. Refreshed, the accelerator was pushed. Credicott struggling with an injury went for 26, before cameos from Billy Barriball (30), Josh Meadows (25) and Charlie Barriball (31).

Despite the tight bowling, it was fourth change bowler Stapleton that cleaned up the wickets with five for 41. Whitchurch's innings fizzled out and they were dismissed for 169. A defendable total but well short of what could have been achieved.

Babbacombe's reply got off to a stuttering start. Poole (one for 34) and Sambells (two for 35) bowled well to leave the home side at 24 for three. However, that was as good as it got for Whitchurch. The experienced Pugh and Broad settled in and set about the run chase with gusto.

Whitchurch tried six bowlers but were unable to get another breakthrough. Once again the fielding was poor and several catchable chances were put down.

Pugh and Broad both completed half centuries on their way to an unbroken stand of 146, leading their side home to victory by seven wickets with 14 overs in hand.