Devon E division Whitchurch v Bridestowe

THERE is a long way to go in the season, but Whitchurch's policy of promoting the youngsters paid dividends in this opening encounter of the season.

Whitchurch batted first and got off to a good start. Tom Fogerty was difficult to get away, but skipper Martyn Credicott and Ben Powell (35) added 72 for the first wicket. Teenager Rob Bone then played himself in as Credicott set about advancing the scoring rate. He was going well until he was bowled for 58 by Butler.

The Barriball brothers then provided fleeting glimpses of their scoring potential, but both fell to good catches. After the early platform, the wheels came off in the middle. Butler (3-32) and Jutson the bowlers applying the brakes.

As the overs and wickets in hand ran down, Bone batted with experience beyond his years, to take his side within touching distance of the 200 mark. He was well caught by Jutson off Fogerty for an excellent 43. Whitchurch unable to get maximum batting points closed on 198-7.

Poole and Sambells gave Whitchurch the perfect start in Bridestowe's reply. Each took two wickets to reduce the visitors to 32- 4. However, after some wayward bowling, a proliferation of wides allowed Bridestowe back in to the game. Mark Fogerty and Tom Fogerty added 63 for the fifth wicket, until Mark was caught on the boundary for 28. Bridestowe were still very much in the game and up with the run rate. Tom Fogerty (50) started to play his shots and added 52 with Charlie Ewan.

With 10 overs to go it was still anyone's game. Skipper Credicott turned to old stager Tamblin and this decision turned the game. Tamblin bowled stump to stump and removed Ewan and then Butler. Charlie Barriball then swept up the tail to finish with 4-33, with Bridestowe being dismissed for 161.

While this is a promising start for the Whitchurch youngsters, the skipper noted that 'much work is required  in all departments of the game, most notably the fielding and wides.

Devon seconds E (West)

Abbotskerswell thirds v Whitchurch seconds

WHITCHURCH won a last over thriller against Abbotskerswell on the first day of the season.

Taking a predominantly young and very inexperienced team to their first win / lose league match was not ideal.

On a lovely sunny, breezy day Whitchurch batted first. Despite losing Dunne early on Hodge (23) and Nettleship (6) provided a steady platform. Ed Nettleship playing in his first game stayed around for 10 overs against some hostile bowling and provided a steady anchor role. Bob Powell (73) and Tim Jackman (74 not out) provided the backbone of the innings. Although Abbots rotated their bowling they couldn't dislodge these two and the runs accumulated.

Although Powell retired with a pulled hamstring, Webber came in and kept the runs ticking over. A total of 235 was more than respectable.

In reply Abbots were equally circumspect in the early overs. Both Jackman (1 for 37) and young Ben Hodge (2-22) showed the way bowling to their field and keeping the run rate low. The younger bowlers showed great maturity against their older opponents and held their nerve when the boundaries started to come. Andrew (41) and, in particular, Morgan (69) were steadily reeling in the target. 39 extras didn't help the Wayfarers cause.

Luffman (0-25) bowled his spell and kept the pressure on. Helen Jackman (1-17) off four overs was also tidy and accurate.

In the last over Abbots needed 13 to win and Cathy Warne was asked to take the responsibility. With Morgan in full flow this called for nerves of steel and Cathy and the rest of the team hung on. Morgan was caught by Webber and only 11 were conceded with Whitchurch travelling home with a narrow but well deserved victory.