Devon G West

A MUCH depleted Whitchurch seconds team made the short trip to Bridestowe.

The home side won the toss and elected to bat first. The pitch presented a few issues but Chris Marais battled through. Fifty-nine had been scored in quick time when Hall made the first breakthrough.

However, Marais continued to complete his half century.

At 104 for four the game was finely poised. All that changed when Barkwell came to the crease.

He hit the bowling to all parts, aided by several drops in the field. Together with Lee (24), 101 was added for the sixth wicket. Webber broke that partnership and mopped up most of the tail on his way to 4 for 31. Barkwell continued on his merry way and completed a deserved century. He holed out shortly after to a running catch in the deep from Tamblin for 101. Bridestowe were dismissed for 267.

Whitchurch were never going to chase down the total so batted for bonus points. Kerswill continued his fine form with 26 and Marais made 35.

Jutson (2 for 26) and Shaw (2 for 28) led the bowling attack but the pick of the bowlers was Barkwell (3 for 23) rounding off an excellent day.

Tamblin marshalled the tail to finish 35 not out and thwart Bridestowe getting maximum points. Whitchurch batting through to be 143 for eight at the close.

Pictures by James Bird.