Devon D West

Whitchurch Wayfarers v

Stoke Gabriel

WHITCHURCH Wayfarers first XI suffered a sobering defeat at the hands of Stoke Gabriel first team.

Promotion chasing Stoke Gabriel chose to bat on a greasy surface and quickly lost captain Tolley to a fine catch by Ben Powell. It was the first of two wickets for Tyler Hunt (2 for 62) making his senior debut for Whitchurch. His opening spell of eight overs went for a miserly 32 runs and showed real pace, venom and accuracy. He was followed by Dan Poole (1-29) who probably had his best spell for the club as he challenged the experienced Kingdon (55) with numerous probing deliveries that just missed the edge. That was as good as it got for the home side and the rest of the bowling was spread to all sides of the ground as Stoke Gabriel rattled to 279 helped by a generous 53 extras.

Smith (44) and Nicolopoulos (41) were particularly severe on anything short. More than 100 runs came off the last 10 overs.

In reply, Whitchurch were quickly in trouble as Yates (2-16) and Ball (3-40) ran through the top order. At 17-4 it looked as though it was going to be an early finish. Josh Meadows (26) set the scene for a gritty fight back with four towering sixes that had the fielding side spreading far and wide.

A more measured 43 from Mark Gibbs ably helped by Dan Poole (26) brought some respectability to the score. Importantly they helped Whitchurch gain valuable batting points. The result was never in doubt and Stoke Gabriel ran out comfortable winners. Whitchurch were left just above the relegation zone; six points covering four teams of whom three will go down. Those batting points could be the difference at the end of the season.