Devon E

Topsham v Whitchurch

WHITCHURCH removed any lingering dangers of back to back relegations with a deserved win away at Topsham.

Playing at the University ground rather than Topsham's home pitch meant the game was able to proceed only due to the hard work of the resident groundsman and the use of covers.

Whitchurch won the toss and asked Topsham to bat.

In a match already reduced to 38 overs a side, only five overs were possible until rain forced the players off the field.

Another 40 minutes had been lost and when play resumed the match was reduced to 31 overs a piece.

Kerswill and Towl kept things tight and with huge outfield boundaries were scarce. Kerswill had Skinner leg before for 23 and rattled through his ten overs with figures of 3-26.

Sambells and Tamblin followed up the openers' good work with three boundaries being conceded in the innings.

As Topsham tried to accelerate, Sambells benefitted, taking four wickets.

Only Richardson stuck around for the home side and remained unbeaten on 38 as Topsham posted 106-8.

Hall and Credicott set about the run chase with great composure. Forty was added for the first wicket, before Credicott was stumped off Shepherd for 24.

After a typical, Whitchurch mid-order wobble, Newton and Barriball restored order.

When Barriball needlessly ran himself out, Meadows joined the fray and knocked the runs off in good time. Newton 20no and Meadows 27no saw Whitchurch home by six wickets.

With no other matches being played in the division, the 18 points ensure Whitchurch will finish a difficult season, comfortably in mid-table.