THE Whitchurch seconds travelled to the picturesque ground of Harbertonford, used by Dartington and Totnes thirds, hoping to return to winning ways after two resounding defeats. The prospects were not good as key players were unavailable.

With the track showing the effects of the recent rain and a lovely day suggesting that it might improve, Whitchurch captain Jason Webber chose to field first.

The ball had a tendency to keep very low with variable bounce. Poole (1 for 26) bowled well beating the batsmen regularly without finding the edge.

Hall (0-16) used the wind to good effect, drifting the ball into the batsmen. Taylor (43) and Roud (14) played cautiously taking Dartington and Totnes to 29 before Roud was well caught by Andy Hall at first slip.

Although Taylor was well run out by some smart fielding there was little further joy for Whitchurch. Havard (86 not out) took his time getting his timing right but once he did the score climbed ominously; the short handed Whitchurch fielders having to do a lot of running on a big ground.

Devon seconds D West

Dartington and Totnes thirds v

Whitchurch seconds

A few late wickets helped Whitchurch pick up two bowling points but a final score of 207 looked daunting.

So it proved. O’Hare (0-8) and Carter (2-23) bowled with menace and accuracy pinning down the Whitchurch openers.

Just before drinks Whitchurch had made 62-2 with Wallace (44) looking comfortable. A respectable score looked possible.

Within seven overs the game was over. The introduction of Havard (4-14) ripped through the remnants of the batting line up. A valiant flashing of the blade by Andy Hall brought 10 runs and a batting point but that was as good as it got as six batsmen trudged back to the pavilion having failed to trouble the scorer.

The result leaves Whitchurch mid-table but not out of touch of the top three.

Dartington and Totnes thirds beat Whitchurch seconds by 125 runs.