Francis Clark D div (west)

Whitchurch v Lustleigh

HAVING lost the toss to league leaders, Lustleigh, Whitchurch were put on to bat, desperate to end a poor run of results.

Although the runs were flowing, wickets were falling at regular intervals, with Foot clean bowling the first three batsmen and ending up with 5-31. Only Gray, 33, Bariball, 25, and Mansfield, 22, made worthwhile contributions.

On 11-5 skipper Chappell made his way to the crease, buoyant with his recent burst of runs. But when he fell cheaply only some big hitting by the tail enders pushed the final score to 162 all out.

In reply, Lustleigh made a slow start due mainly to an excellent spell by Mansfield (3-34). But at crucial stages easy catches were dropped and with them any chance of winning the game.

Gibbs (51no), who batted superbly, controlled the runs chase and never looked in trouble, saw Lustleigh home to 165-6, Lustleigh taking 20 points and Whitchurch 6 points.

This Saturday Whitchurch make the trek to high-scoring Cullompton.