Devon E

Whitchurch v Upottery

WHITCHURCH promotion push is in danger of doing a 'Devon Loch' with three weeks of the season to go.

Devon Loch was the horse who was easily leading the Grand National in 1956 only to slip tantalisingly just before the finishing post.

So it may prove for the Wayfarers. Missing half of the first choice team, Whitchurch lost the toss and were asked to bat first.

As in previous weeks plenty of batsmen settle in and then got out before the job was done. Ben Powell made 26, Rob Bone 21 and Josh Meadows 25, but no one went on to make a significant contribution.

At 85-5 and with the senior players back in the pavilion, Whitchurch were right up against it. Bob Powell and Josh Vernon batted sensibly seeing off the threat of Frost (2-23) and Gary Kennard (2-27).

As the overs ran out, Powell and Vernon accelerated adding 107 for the sixth wicket, Vernon was out for 53 and Powell for 39. With the addition of 30 extras Whitchurch posting 207 for 7.

Upottery's reply got off to a rapid start. Button-Stephens and Gary Kennard (18) setting about their target with gusto. Button-Stephens (56) and Ryan Pulman added 83 for the second wicket until Pulman was run out back up for 49.

Any Whitchurch fight back needed to come at that moment, but as the weather worsened, Wayfarers's chances slipped away. Only Bone with 2-41 was able to exert any control.  Rice with 31 not out and Joyce 27 no, seeing Upottery home by six wickets with 10 overs to spare.

Whitchurch skipper Credicott said: 'We can't seem to get all aspects of the game going in the same game. We get in good positions and then through them away.

'However, promotion is still on and with a full squad to select from next week, we'll see what this young side can do.'