Devon C West

Chelston and Kingskerswell v Whitchurch firsts

WHITCHURCH ended a run of four league defeats when they faced Chelston and Kingskerswell. The Wayfarers travelled to Torquay knowing that they needed a win against the bottom side in the division to get their season back on track.

The visitors won the toss and decided to bat first and put the pressure on the home side. Billy Barriball and Rob Bone made 75 for the first wicket partnership with Barriball racing to 57 before being bowled by Duke, who quickly added a second wicket to his name bowling Smith for 0. Charlie Barriball continued his fine form making a brisk 34 before playing one shot too many and he was bowled by Bennett just after the drinks break with the score 124-4. Ben Powell joined Bone at the crease but Bone was caught at deep midwicket off the bowling of Hurrell for 25.

Ben Powell batted sensibly making sure that Whitchurch got full batting points and although wickets fell around him his 53 not out helped the Wayfarers to 239 from their 45 overs with David Northey being run out on the last ball of the innings.

In response the home side got off to a good start with Chelston’s captain Harrison making 34. He eventually fell caught and bowled to Whitchurch’s skipper Billy Barriball with the score 53-1.

After the opening stand Whitchurch picked up wickets at regular intervals with Barriball getting Chelston’s entire top top in his spell, which saw him finish with figures of 4-30.

Rob Bone picked up three wickets in the middle order and although Chelston and Kingskerswell tried to bat out their overs and pick up as many points as possible three wickets from Marc Kerswell saw them all out for 144 from 43 overs.

 Whitchurch’s win has given them some breathing space at the bottom of the league with Plymouth Civil Service and Roborough, the other team below them, both losing at the weekend. Next week they travel to Stoke Gabriel are looking for back to back wins together for the first time this season.