WHITCHURCH have put in some mixed performances over the past few weeks, but returned to form with a good all-round performance against previously undefeated league leaders Dawlish.
Two weeks ago, Whitchurch were held to a draw away at Kingskerswell. They posted a total of 216 all-out, mainly due to 67 from Barriball who added 111 for the second wicket with Mansfield (47), and 42 from Freedman.
The home side were never interested in the runs chase, taking more than half their overs to reach 50.
All the bowlers chipped in with wickets but none were able to remove the stubborn batting of the home side.
Whitchurch then travelled to Yealmpton, where their bowlers found things slightly different. Turner (57) and Salt with 126 helped their side beyond 200 with 15 overs still remaining. Two wickets apiece for Lavis and Davies, together with Newton, 3 for 30, pegged them back slightly, as they declared on 266 for 8.
Whitchurch were making good progress in reply. Mansfield (28) and Chappell (38) added 80 for the first wicket in only 14 overs. However, a collapse then ensued, as Whitchurch lost their remaining wickets for only 64 more runs.
A more determined effort was required for the visit of Dawlish and the side duly delivered. Most of the batsmen made contributions, without anyone going on to make a big score, Mansfield, Chappell, Hall and Newton all scoring in the 20s. Kidney was the pick of the Dawlish bowlers with 6 for 41.
Dawlish's reply struggled to get going in the face of excellent bowling and fielding by the Wayfarers. Mansfield bowled better than figures of 1-41 would suggest, bowling well in tandem with Lavis (3-22).
As the required run rate increased, so Dawlish started to lose wickets, Elliott 2 for 15 and Mills 4 for 5, the beneficiaries as Hall, Chappell and Lavis all took sharp catches and Barriball pouched 3.
Whitchurch took 17 points, which ensures their promotion ambitions are still alive and well.
This week they face two tricky away games at Exeter South on Saturday and Roborough on Sunday.