Devon C West

Whitchurch v Chagford

WHITCHURCH hosted Chagford on a hot summer's day and were out for revenge after Chagford's close win over them last week.

Having lost the toss Whitchurch were put into bat where it looked like a batsman's paradise. Whitchurch started well with Alford (14) and Hodge putting on 51 for the opening partnership but with Alford looking to score he was bowled by Rhys Holland. Credicott was then brought to the crease but was quickly gone edging behind for 8 off the bowling of Hayman. This then bought Wallace to the crease who, with Hodge, upped the run rate scoring runs to all parts of the ground, bringing Hodge to a deserved 50 having punished the bad balls and kept the good balls out.

The stand between these two did fall with both getting out in quick succession after 75. Wallace (36) fell first caught at long off and then Hodge fell for 63 when caught at mid wicket, both off the bowling of Nigel Letheren (2-39).

This left Whitchurch on 159-4 with 15 overs left so a big score looked on the cards.

Bob Powell came to the crease with Tom Scott, Bob punishing the bad balls and Scott playing the supporting role. Scott fell for 12 edging behind but his supporting role bought the core up to 195-5 still with 7 overs left. McCrae came in and was out in the same over only scoring 2. Tilsley came in taking over from Scott playing the supporting role helped Bob Powell to his 50 however he did not last much longer being caught for (52). There were only two overs left with Whitchurch on 237-7 looking for that 250. This was achieved when Webber came in and crashed a couple fours through cover to take Whitchurch to 253-8 off their 45 overs, the extras column also adding up to 48 runs helped byWhitchurch reaching the 250 mark.

Chagford started their innings at a fast pace when, after 9 overs, Chagford were on 75-0 with in-form Pete Holland hitting his 50 at a rapid speed. Andy Hall bowling up the hill only going for 24 off his 9 overs was keeping one end tight.

Whitchurch kept changing the bowlers but not a lot was going right for Whitchurch and Holland reached his 100 and was showing his class.

The supporting Roger Whittingham bought his 50 up shortly and was doing all he had to. Whitchurch deciding they needed the wickets of this pair tried to go more on the attack but this proved to no avail with Holland smashing a 4 to win the game taking him past 150. He finished on 151 not out, ably supported by Whittingham on 77 not out. Chagford picked up 18 points with Whitchurch just picking up the 5 points.

Next week Whitchurch travel to Bovey Tracey hoping to come back to winning ways after back to back defeats.

n Saturday 1st XI home to Kingsbridge, 2nd XI away to Bovey Tracey; Tue TEL away to Bridestowe/Okehampton; Wednesday Friendly away to Buckland Monachorum.