Devon division E

Whitchurch v Tiverton and Bickleigh

AFTER back to back defeats, Whitchurch invested in their younger players who responded well making the step up to first team cricket.

Josh Towl, Rob Bone and Dan Poole – all under 16 – were each making their debuts in the senior side.

Whitchurch lost the toss and fielded first. The pitch was grassy and two paced, but Tiverton played through the line and dealt mainly in boundaries throughout the innings.

Tim Reed and Tidborough led from the off adding 69 for the first wicket. Poole bowling well without the rewards.

A change in the bowling created the breakthrough with Billy Barriball (2-33) snaring Tidborough with a ball that did not bounce.

Senior bowler Sambells (2-45) bowled through from the top end and removed the dangerous Reed for 42.

At 86-4, Tiverton were wobbling, but a partnership of 45 between Schofield (44) and Williams restored order. At 131-4 with 17 overs remaining Tiverton were set fair for a big total. However, two wickets apiece for Charlie Barriball and veteran Tamblin brought Whitchurch back in to the game.

Towl wrapped up the tail with 2-5, as Tiverton were dismissed for 187 with two overs to go. The catching and fielding throughout was superb with only the odd blemish.

In reply, Whitchurch suffered an early loss as form player Billy Barriball was out for a duck.

Credicott (22) and Bone (15) added 39 for the second wicket and saw off the opening blowers in the process.

Whitchurch players all got in but many were out to false shots - until the run chase escalated all were caught.

Ben Powell and Josh Towl added 44 for the fifth wicket until Powell was out for 33.

At 128-7, Whitchurch could have been forgiven for shutting up shop. However Towl batted with the composure of a senior pro and his partnership with Tamblin (16 not out) added 47 for the eighth wicket.

As the overs ran out the run out increased. Parr was difficult to score off and McDonald reaped the rewards the other end with 4-28.

As the match entered the last over, Whitchurch needed 13 to win. Towl went looking for the big shot for an excellent debut 55.

Sambells came and went in a flash and Poole blocked out the last two balls as Whitchurch secured the losing draw, closing on 176 for 9.