Devon C West

Whitchurch Wayfarers

v Stoke Gabriel

WHITCHURCH made it back to back wins as the Devon League reaches its halfway point.

The home side were put into bat by the travelling Stoke Gabriel on what looked a green track that might have had a bit for the bowlers. Whitchurch openers C Barriball and K Jacobs looked assured at the crease until Barriball was out unexpectedly chipped one up to short cover for 19 off the bowling of Withington (2-33).

Smith quickly followed but the captain settled any thoughts of a collapse as he raced to 44 before being bounced out by Ansley (2-38). Jacobs fell soon after as he picked out the man at long off to give Lewis (1-26) his only wicket.

Powell held things together for Whitchurch and he and Nigel Barriball helped guide Whitchurch to full batting points as they made 209.  At tea the home side thought they were still a few runs short. Whitchurch's bowlers started well with the ever-impressive Kerswell (2-28) picking up both openers. Sambells (2-52) continued from last week and he picked up the away side's number 3 and 4. Withington and Ansley put a partnership together and even when Withington fell for 19 off Bone (3-38) Ansley continued to hit the Whitchurch bowlers around but Poole (1-22), who struggled to control the new ball came back, bowled well and picked up the big wicket of Ansley who made an impressive 61 and looked like he was going to win the game for Stoke.

B Barriball came on at the death and picked up 2 for 5 as Stoke Gabriel were bowled out for 183 as Whitchurch won by 26 runs to gain maximum points..