Devon League E West second XI Shaldon Optimists v Whitchurch seconds SHALDON are the pre-season favourites for promotion and pulled out all the stops to get this game played, when all around were taking cover from the weather. Whitchurch travelled to Teignmouth in South Devon with a stronger team but lost the all important toss and were asked to bat. Throughout the conditions were tough and they struggled to adapt. Hodge (14) and Wallace (18) saw off the opening bowlers but when the accelerator was needed to be pushed, Whitchurch were found wanting. Haycock (3-18) and Bond (4-8) were the main beneficiaries, as Whitchurch slumped to 82 all out. Only Bob Powell with 18 providing any real contribution. As the showers came and went and the wind howled across the Teignmouth ground, Whitchurch found the conditions to their dislike. Northey made an early breakthrough but Doyle (21no) and Bowler (33) set about their target. Wallace mixed and matched his bowlers, with only Luffman (2 for 17) adding to the wickets. Shaldon were home with six wickets in hand and picking up 21 points. Whitchurch took a solitary point from their longest journey of the season.