Devon seconds

Whitchurch seconds v

AFTER a rain off last week, the seconds' season started at home to Bovey Tracey thirds.

It started well too, with Wallace winning the toss for Wayfarers, although the opening bowlers did not back up the decision to insert the visitors. The openers were too short and wide and Bovey capitalised, racing along at eight an over. A couple of excellent catches from Wallace and Andy Hall off his own bowling temporarily restricted the runs, but Bovey were beyond 50 in eight overs.

At 95-2, Bovey looked set to post a big score, but a crucial over from Scott (3 for 22) pegged the visitors back. First Hodge took a great catch to dismiss Green for 22 and the next ball Hodge ran out Baker.  

Wyatt-Haines had commanded the crease but fell eventually to Scott for 59. At this point Whitchurch thought they had done the hard work and switched off. Numerous chances were missed and Starling capitalised. He went on to complete a half century including being dropped as his 50 was brought up. He eventually holed out to a good catch by Poole.

Tamblin (3 for 44) mopped up the tail with Bovey all out for 198.

Whitchurch made a steady reply with Webber and Credicott setting the foundations. Credicott had made 26 before slapping a bad ball straight to the grateful hands of Green.

Throughout the Whitchurch innings they struggled to put partnerships together. The highest of the innings was 45 between Tamblin and top scorer Poole.

At 98-3, the game was Whitchurch's for the taking. However, the middle order failed to make the most of some friendly bowling and found ways to get out, including skipper Wallace caught between the thighs of Whitlock.

Poole went for 39, but the tail failed to keep the run rate going and withered to 152 all out.