Devon C West

Yelverton Bohemians firsts v

Whitchurch Wayfarers firsts

WHITCHURCH failed to break their losing streak when they faced a trip to rivals Yelverton in what was a big game for both sides. The Wayfarers won the toss and decided to bowl on a pitch that had was still a little bit wet after the week’s rain.

The decision to bowl seem right as the pitch had some demons in it, with balls popping viciously off a length but the Yelverton openers Brain and Julyan rode their luck with some dropped catches and made it to drinks with 100 on the board. Shortly after Brain reached his 50 but soon fell victim to Kerswell (1-28), as he was caught at deep mid wicket.

Julyan continued to occupy the crease but he fell just short of his half century this time caught by Kerswell off the bowling of Poole (2-57).

S Bray kept it tight after drinks going for just 18 in his nine overs, but Yelverton pushed on in their last 15 overs with the most noticeable contribution coming from Van Niekerk who made a speedy 47 before being run out. Yelverton ended their innings on 224, a score which Whitchurch felt was easily gettable on a pitch that had become much better to bat on.

Whitchurch’s run chase, however, was the complete opposite to Yelverton’s opening stand as they found themselves 47-5 with Hobbs (3-22) and Crompton (2-41) doing serious damage to the Wayfarers’ top order.

For the away side’s top five only Charlie Barriball made it into double figures as he reached 24. Bone and Poole put on 40 for the eighth wicket partnership but Poole eventually fell victim to West (3-25).

Bone and Nigel Barriball tried to salvage batting points for the away side but Bone was caught behind for 32 and a late cameo from Kerswell got the Wayfarers past the 125 mark for a second batting point. He was eventually caught off the bowling of Kirk (1-5) and Whitchurch slumped to 131 all out.

Yelverton picked up maximum points for their efforts while Whitchurch only managed four and are in desperate need of a victory as they host Chagford next week.