Filed under: 1st XI
26th May Kenn H
No one in the crowd on a glorious afternoon at Whitchurch House left early, as the first team served up their third nail biting finish in four outings this season. Sadly, they were once again on the wrong end of the result, but if they keep knocking on the door, it won’t be long before the right result is forthcoming.
Kenn won the toss and asked Whitchurch to bat on what looked like a typical Whitchurch bowlers graveyard. And so it proved.
Wilson and Gayden bowled a tight line, but wickets were only acquired through frustration and excellence in the field – Bone being superbly caught in the gully by Ballinger.
Gayden bowled through 13 overs with 1 for 35 – a remarkable effort given the conditions. Standing on 54 for 2 at the half way point, Whitchurch had the foundations but needed to press on. Credicott and Powell did just that raising the 100 in the next 7 overs.
Powell had made 30 when he top edged Chatum. Credicott marching past 50 was then joined by Barriball and the runs continued to flow.
Maximum batting points were achieved with 5 overs to go and Credicott brought up his well deserved century off the next ball. He would go on to carry his bat throughout the innings to be 115 not out. Barriball made a quick fire 40, as Whitchurch posted 231 for 4. A reasonable effort after a slow start, but probably only a par score for the day.
In reply, Whitchurch’s bowlers were unable to dominate, with Kenn getting a solid start. Chatum was bowled by Towl for 19 and then Ballinger perished attempting a run off a misfield.
Kenn skipper Murfin set about the Whitchurch attack with gusto. He smashed five sixes and eleven fours in a knock of 85 that threatened to wrap the game up in double quick time. When he was caught in the deep by Nigel Barriball, the game turned.
Kenn kept pressing towards their target but lost regular wickets along the way. Towl with 3 for 53, Charlie Barriball, 2 for 18 and Macrae, 2 for 24 the wicket takings. Kenn were keeping up with the run rate though and even though they were nine wickets down kept driving towards their victory.
France slogged his way to 38, but it was left to Williams to score the winning runs with 9 balls to spare.
19th May Tiverton & Bickleigh A
12th May Bridestowe H
Barriball heroics not enough to save Whitchurch
Whitchurch will view their first game as one they let slip. The recent ‘drought’ meant that few of the team had had any meaningful practice.
Asked to bat first Whitchurch made steady progress with only the early loss of Stokes to hinder them. Tight bowling by the opening pair of Chave (3 for 41) and Hobson (2-43) meant that progress was slow. Man of the match Billy Barriball (53) and D Vernon (55) were seldom in danger. At the half way stage on 77 for 1 they then started to accelerate the scoring with both batsmen clearing the field several times. After the fall of Vernon, Credicott made a brief appearance before Webb, with a quick fire 30, really pushed the score along. Extras helped push the score up to 214 and the visitors would have been pleased with their position at the half way stage.
In reply Kentisbeare set off at well above the required run rate. After 10 overs they had reached 57 for the loss of two wickets. Ogden (61) and Chappell (31) put on a 97 in what was probably a match winning partnership. They offered few chances until Billy Barriball (6-22) came on to bowl. Limited to just seven overs he ripped through the Kentisbeare batting and caused consternation in the home camp as they saw defeat looming. From 154 for 2 and cruising they slumped to 168 for 5 and then 198 for 9 still 16 runs shy of the winning target. Unfortunately his overs ran out and the other bowlers couldn’t match his accuracy or penetration. Kentisbeare scraped home in the last over by the narrowest of margins. Giving away 44 runs in wides and the consequent extra overs is something that the captain will want to see reduced in future games.
Filed under: 2nd XI
26th May Dartington & Totnes 3rds A
The seconds battled to a losing draw away at Harberton. D&T rattled up 270, with the seconds passing the 200 mark in reply for the loss of only 3. Further details when we find out what happened on the pitch….!
19th May Babbacombe H
12th May Plymstock A
5th May Abbotskerswell H
The Youngsters lead the way – there were 6 under 16s and lower in the side.
Filed under: events
The first quiz night of season will be at the club on Friday 18th May starting from 7pm.
While Hammy pretends to be studying, Mhairi will be asking the questions.
Later in the year there will be more quiz nights and a second running of the Powell Stakes with the race night on 29th June.
Filed under: general
Welcome everyone to the 2012 Cricket season.
I start with the sad news that the prime founding member of the club, David Gordon, died on January 27th aged 84. On the death of his stepfather Noel Beaver he returned to Whitchurch in 1949 to farm. It was then that being a keen cricketer he, along with his half brother, decided to create the beginnings of the club we know today. Whilst David was not around much and largely unknown to most he was a very important figure in the early days of the club. He always had a healthy interest in the development of Whitchurch Wayfarers and payed us several visits over the years. The coming season will be dedicated to his memory with hopefully a memorial match taking place. Please take a moment to read about David in greater detail in this book and on our website.
As ever we have an energetic committee working away behind the scenes ensuring a full and diverse programme of cricket and many other events. With such a mix of senior, youth and ladies fixtures, there should never be a dull moment.
The committee is largely unchanged with newcomer, or should that be oldcomer, Rob Rawlings taking on the role of Vice Chairman. Rob is hugely experienced in the running of our club having held many committee posts over the years. He continues to liaise with our sponsors messrs Mansbridge & Balment, Turners of Roborough, and R M Builders and all our small business advertisers who of course make our fixture book the envy of the area. It goes without saying the club continues to appreciate their support, so please, please, in return support them if you can.
On the cricketing front I have been greatly encouraged by the turnout of players at our indoor net sessions. The average seems to be around the 15 mark per net which beats the 6 or 7 of the previous winter. The move to weekday evenings has certainly paid off and should stand us in good stead when battle commences in late April. We have new challenges ahead with both senior Saturday sides starting a league lower but no doubt eager to bounce back. We remain in the top flight evening league which will stretch our young players to the full but will stand them in good stead for seasons to come. Our Ladies enjoyed promotion in 2011 so likewise will have to meet new challenges and hopefully enjoy more success. We also continue to produce high quality junior players all competing in the Palladium league, some of who no doubt will represent us at district level and higher.
Bob Powell is once again heading up the coaching and as last season we will have senior practice on Thursday evenings. Richard is once again captaining our DL 1st XI with Neil in the same role for the 2nds. Doug Vernon is taking on the captaincy of the TEL side and may I take this opportunity to wish him the best of luck, and please, please everyone support Doug in this challenging role. Hammy is continuing as team secretary and in order to make everything run as smoothly as possible, can we all think about availability well in advance and GET OUR NAMES IN THE AVAILABILITY BOOK. It goes without saying that if your contact details have changed then please let us know. Neil and John have gone through the current list of registrations. It is paramount that we have everyone registered and signed on so as to avoid any selection hiccups later during the season.
In amongst the cricket we will once again be holding a number of social events including Hammys` ever popular quiz nights and on debut last season Bobs` race night.
As always we need more people to get involved with work around the club. We are very lucky with the experts and skill levels that we have at our disposal, but we are always looking for more. Please don`t hide your light under a bushel.
Finally, it goes without saying that I would like to thank everyone for your continued commitment and support of our friendly club. Whenever we take the field we must remember that we are representing the club and all that it stands for. Play competitively but fairly and within the Spirit of the Game.
I and the committee are looking forward to a successful 2012 season not just for our adult seniors but our junior teams U11s U13s & U15s and our ladies team. Please everyone enjoy your cricket and please ENCOURAGE, ENCOURAGE, ENCOURAGE. If we do this we will have a great year.
Yours in cricket
Gavin.
Filed under: general
As we all feared when the weather in March was so warm and sunny, and the square too hard to take the roller, we are now experiencing the other side of the coin.
All of the first 6 fixtures have been washed out and the ground is very, very wet – too wet to get a mower on. The nets are also underwater.
Senior League cricket, all being well, starts next weekend. County wide there will be a lot of under-prepared players and pitches.
The first Xi travel to Kentisbeare, whilst the seconds entertain Abbotskerswell 3rds. Both are unknown quantities, but present a great opportunity to get the season off to a winning start.
Good luck to everyone as the season finally gets underway and watch this space for weekly reports on progress.
Filed under: general
It is with great sadness that the club has been informed of the passing of one of our founder members, David Gordon.
David Gordon who founded the present Whitchurch Wayfarers Cricket Club died in Bristol on 27th January 2012 aged 84. He was son of G.S.S. Gordon M.C. and Mrs Marjorie Beaver of Whitchurch House, born on 17th August 1927. He was commissioned into the Gordon Highlanders for national service and finished his military service as a captain in charge of a large number of Holocaust survivors in Cyprus trying to enter Palestine. Following studying at Kings College Cambridge he spent a year at the Sorbonne University in Paris but after the death of his stepfather Noel Beaver he returned to Whitchurch House in 1949. In 1949/50 as a keen cricketer he decided to try to establish a cricket club on a field of the grounds of Whitchurch House. From very modest beginnings the Wayfarers have developed into a very successful club with a new pavilion and a long fixture list for several XIs.
Filed under: Uncategorized
The Annual General Meeting passed off without major incident on 2nd December.
The turn out was average but nevertheless encouraging.
Reports were received and passed. The accounts showed a slight out turn which was largely due to the club absorbing the VAT rise and not increasing bar prices and the late receipt of the sponsorship money.
Fixtures are already in place for 2012, as well as hosting events such as the schools cricket festival.
The main points of business passed are as follows: -
Subscriptions will increase in 2012. However, those paying before 30th June will benefit from a special offer of membership at 2011 prices.
Match fees will also rise to £4 per match for all day cricket. Costs have continued to rise and fees have remained at £3 for approximately 10 years.
Despite both rises, the meeting agreed that Whitchurch still provides excellent value for money.
After 4 seasons in the top job, Neil has “retired” to attend the Olympics and passed the baton on to Gavin. In turn, Gavin has recruited Rob Rawlings to be his side kick.
All of the other committee positions remain the same for 2012. This includes Richard Hall as First XI skipper. Announcements about the Second XI skipper will be made in the new year, once the new committee has assessed the options.
There being no other business or questions, all adjourned to the pub.
Net sessions are already booked in for pre-season and work will continue throughout the winter in preparation for the new season.
Filed under: Uncategorized
The prizes were recently handed out to the seniors and Ladies at Whitchurch Cricket Club.
The club welcomed Nick Henderson of sponsors Mansbridge and Balment to hand out the awards.
On the field performances had been encouraging although the results had not always reflected this. Despite the disappointing conclusion to the season there was still much to celebrate and recognise.
The Second team were always destined to struggle after promotion the year before. Many of the players from that team became regulars in the first team, so the seconds were reliant on the next generation of promising youngsters. Special mentions were made to Dan Poole, Charlie Barriball, Josh Towl and Rob Bone who all put in impressive performances in senior cricket and offer much hope for the future.
The Second XI prizes though were garnered by the “veterans” in the team. Bob Powell led the batting stats with 183 runs at 26 per innings, while skipper Neil Tamblin led the bowling with 16 wickets at a shade under 19 runs each.
In a season where availability was a challenge and 11 players was a luxury, the captain’s player of the year was Tom Dunne, who was ever present as well as taking some match winning catches.
The first xi also struggled for runs and wickets but they were difficult to dismiss, leading to a lot of losing draws. The late season rally gathered steam with a couple of wins but faded resulting on relegation on the last day of the season.
The leading batsman was Josh Meadows with 300 runs at 25 per innings. The leading bowler was Hammy Kerswill with 20 wickets at 17 runs each, despite him being unavailable for the first half of the season.
The Captain’s player of the season was Darren Sambells who adapted to the role of stock bowler, often bowling long spells for few runs but without the wickets that he deserved. Darren was also presented with the most improved player award.
The John Jackson fielder of the year award was presented to Richard Hall, the safest pair of hands in a club that drop far too many.
The inaugural winner of the Beaver Gordon All rounder of the year was Billy Barriball who contributed 430 runs and 14 wickets across both senior league teams including the only league century of the season.
The Ladies enjoyed a more prosperous season resulting in promotion back to the top Devon division. Cathy Griffin continues to lead by example taking both the batting and bowling awards. The Ladies most improved player was Gillian Northey.
The final award of the evening, the Clubman of the Year was presented to Gavin Hall who continues his tireless work behind the scenes in maintaining the ground as one of the best turned out and attractive grounds in the county.
The club wishes to thank all members, sponsors and supporters for their contributions this season both on and off the pitch. We can’t do it without you.
The AGM will be held in the Village Hall on Friday 2ndDecember at 8pm.
Gavin Hall receiving the Clubman shield from Nick Henderson
Filed under: events
A very successful season for Whitchurch Wayfarers Colts was celebrated at the recent presentation evening.
The Under 11s led by Gerald Whitehouse and Mark Trevethan finished half way up their league, with the focus more on technique and enjoyment of the game. The awards for the team were shared around with Nathan Ord, Isaac Staig, Matteo Pearce and George Andrews all going home with a trophy.
At the beginning of the season, it was touch and go whether the Under 13s would be able to compete, with a shortage of players and coaches. To finish the season well placed in the league and with a half share of the cup was a remarkable achievement and testament to the commitment of all involved.
The success of the team has been due both to some outstanding individual performances and excellent work by all players contributing to a great team effort.
The best batsmen and all rounder was Charlie Barriball who scored 605 runs and took 14 wickets during the season. The best bowler was Emma Jackman with 12 wickets. The standard of fielding was very high, but the award was presented to Josh Emptage for his valuable run saving throughout the season. The sportsman award was presented to Barney Tossell, for his commitment and enthusiasm throughout the season.
The under15s developed well as the season went on with most playing a leading role in senior cricket as well. The awards were shared around between Billy Barriball, Rob Bone, Ben Hodge, Josh Towl and Dan Poole, all of whom were regulars in the senior second XI and made valuable contributions.
Dan Poole was also presented with the club’s oldest trophy, the Beaver Cup, which recognises the improvement and development strides that he has made during the season.
The Pedrick cup for best colt was presented to Billy Barriball for the second time. Billy scored his maiden, senior league hundred this season and was a fixture in the first team.
Finally, the Crocker shield for junior clubman of the year was presented to Josh Meadows for his regular support at all the home colts matches during the season.
Anyone interested in joining Whitchurch colts should contact Kevin Freedman on 01822 852034. Coaches and players and always welcomed.
Full list of winners
Under 11s Batsman – Nathan Ord, Bowler – Isaac Staig, Fielder – Matteo Pearce, Sportsman – George Andrews
Under 13s Batsman – Charlie Barriball. Bowler – Emma Jackman, Fielder – Josh Emptage, All Rounder – Charlie Barriball, Sportsman – Barney Tossell
Under 15s Batsman – Billy Barriball, Bowler – Rob Bone, Fielder – Ben Hodge, All rounder – Josh Towl, Sportsman – Dan Poole
Pedrick Cup – Billy Barriball
Beaver cup – Dan Poole
Crocker Shield – Josh Meadows
Filed under: friendlies
