The Wayfarer Blog

Seconds v Plymstock 3rds, Plymstock School, 28th August

Whitchurch secured the 7 points required in double quick time away at Plymstock thirds. Skipper Tamblin broke a barren 11 match streak by winning the toss and inserting the hosts.

This decision was backed up by Josh Vernon removing both openers in the first over.

From there on, it was really a question of when not if, as Plymstock were outclassed by Vernons senior and junior and expert keeping from Smerdon. Josh took 6 for 17 and Doug 3 for 12, with Smerdon take 3 catches. Tamblin effecting a run out with a good throw from the deep.

Plymstock all out for 32 in a little more than 13 overs, with wides the top scorer with 9.

Plymstock were just as generous with the wides, yielding 14 as Whitchurch reached their target in 8.1 overs. Whilst the result was never in doubt, Whitchurch did lose 4 wickets, 2 to Gibson. Restall recorded the first boundary of the game with a 6 that bounced back of the sports hall on his way to a match top score of 11 not out.

Fittingly, the game was won with a wide. Whitchurch securing 18 points and promotion in to D West, from where they were relegated last term.

This was one of the shortest games I’ve ever played in. All done and dusted in 22 overs by 3pm.

Seconds v Babbacombe, Home 21 st August

Once again the game was cancelled early in the morning, with no prospect on getting a pitch cut, never mind a game played.

Fortunately the rest of the division suffered the same fate, so with one game to go, Lewdown are promoted and we need another 7 points to be sure of going up with them.

Seconds v Bridestowe, Away 14th August

For the first time this season, a game was cancelled early in the day. Bridestowe is not known for his desert like features, so a downpour at 10.15 put paid to any chance of a game being played.

Our rivals both picked up maximum points, threatening a nail biting run in.

Seconds v Cornwood 4ths, Home 7th August

Back to winning ways for the twos with 20 points.

Whitchurch bounced back to winning ways with a comprehensive victory over Cornwood Fourths. Cornwood were understandably struggling for players during the holiday season and had no hesitation in asking the home side to bat first on a damp but drying track. This was the 9^th toss in a row that Whitchurch have lost and on every occasion they have been asked to bat.

Doug Vernon made a bright start, hitting 4 sixes in a quick fire 29. However runs were then harder to come by as Williams (3-34) and Smith (3-34) bowled tidying.

At drinks Whitchurch were poised on 66 for 3 and able to accelerate to post a big score.

Alford and Powell added 67 for 4^th wicket before Alford walked passed a straight one and was bowled for 41. Bob Powell and Josh Vernon then added 73 for the next wicket. Powell the anchor while Vernon played the shots until he was out for 49.

Powell then completed his half century with a six over the pavilion. Whitchurch posting 239 for 8.

Cornwood’s reply was all about survival; no effort at all at scoring the runs. Josh Vernon made an early breakthrough removing Smith.

All Whitchurch’s bowlers maintained a good line and chances were being created. Indeed, at times it seemed that Whitchurch wanted to get everyone out twice, such was the number of chances wasted.

Doug Vernon chipped in with 2 wickets and when Crunch was bowled by Tamblin for 24, the hard work was done. Two run outs and further wickets for Tamblin (4 for 22) hastened Cornwood’s demise. Kerswill wrapping the game up as Cornwood were dismissed for 115.

Seconds v Bovey Tracey 3rds, Stover School 31st July

Whitchurch Seconds fell well short in all areas of the game away at Bovey Tracey 3rds’ plastic pitch.

Losing the toss had little effect as Whitchuch were invited to bat. A decision that they would have taken themselves.

Elliott and Vernon got off to a rapid start before Elliott was bowled for 17. 32 for 1 after 4 overs. Vernon followed soon after for 15 and with Monger out first ball, Whitchurch were in trouble at 48 for 3.

Ben Powell dug in and prepared himself for a long innings. Further wickets went to Squire (2 for 50) and Roberts, who would finish with 5 for 32. Powell eventually finding in batting ally in Tamblin. They added 79 for the 6^th wicket through 17 overs, with Powell the major contributor, passing 50 for the 3^rd time this season.

Tamblin was finally bowled by Squire for 29, leaving Powell to bat with the tail. Another 30 runs were added before Powell eventually succumbed to Roberts for 72. Whitchurch’s ten men all out for 193. A good score, but 70 or 80 short of a challenging total on the fake pitch. 

In reply, Whitchurch’s bowling and fielding was found wanting, as Bovey attacked from the off. Squire threw the bat at almost anything and his luck held. Bovey were rattling along at 9 an over, passing 100 within 12 overs.

Powell and Tamblin briefly restored some order. Powell having Squire well caught by Dom Monger for 59 and then cleaning up Packman the very next delivery. 

That was as good as it got though, as Bovey’s stalwarts Shephard (69 no) and Preston (35 no) guided their side home with 22 overs to spare. 27 wides not helping the Whitchurch cause.

In the other key match of the day, Paignton thrashed Lewdown, meaning Whitchurch remain top of the table, but the buffer for promotion has been reduced to 25 points with 4 games to go.

Seconds v Plymouth Civil Service 3rds, Home 24th July

Another week, another lost toss, but this time it was Paul flipping the coin not Neil; but still another 20 points.

Batting first on a damp track, Doug Vernon and Jonny Elliott added 96 for the first wicket. Doug completed his half century on his way to 70, before stand in skipper Daymond came in and bludgeoned a quick fire 57.

Whitchurch declared for the second game in a row on 238 for 4, gaining an extra 5 overs to bowl out Civil.

Those overs were not required though, as Bridgewater and Vernon took all 9 wickets between them. Bridgewater once again demonstrating his ability with the remarkable figure of 15 overs 5 for 18.  Civil dismissed for 88.

Seconds v Dartington 3rds, Foxhole 17th July

Shorn of 8 key players, Whitchurch travelled to Dartington more in hope than expectation. However, the senior players shared the responsibility and the youngsters backed them up with some good performances.

Whitchurch lost the toss for the 6^th game in a row and were asked to bat on a damp but drying track. Runs were hard to come by early doors, but wickets remained in tact. The 50 was only registered in the 20^th over.

Alford and Daymond then hit the accelerator. 132 had been scored for the first wicket when Alford was caught behind for 26. Daymond continued to play some fine shots and completed a deserved maiden century for the club.  

Daymond was out shortly after for 102, but Nigel Barriball then assumed the mantle scoring a quick fire 43.

Dartington fought back with Gray taking 6 wickets, but Josh Monger with 27 enabled Whitchurch to declare with one over to go on 244 for 8. (Josh says he would have got 50 if we hadn’t declared!)

In a team short of bowling the extra over enabled each bowler to have a spell of 14. Cathy Griffin bowled her 14 overs straight through and was rewarded with 4 wickets for 49 runs. She was aided by 2 fine catches from Scrivener, including the prize scalp of Lowe for 42.

Colegate (28) was threatening a big score before leaving a ball from Tamblin which died on to the top of the stumps. Tamblin completed a triple wicket maiden, but missed out on another hat trick on his way to 4 for 38 from 12 overs.

As Darts dug in for a draw, Billy Barriball took two wickets to close the innings out.

Whitchurch won by 97 runs with 6 overs remaining.

This was a fine all round team performance from such a young and inexperienced team and another vital 20 points on the road to promotion.

Seconds v Paignton 3rds, Home 10th July

Hot on the heels of a good win against Lewdown, Whitchurch faced another top of the table clash with Paignton thirds visiting. For the 4^th week in a row, Tamblin lost the toss and once again Whitchurch had to bat first.

They made a good start with Vernon and Daymond both scoring 26 as 57 was added in the opening partnership. After that, the run rate slowed as Benton (4 for 47) and Williams (2-40) made good use of the humid, swinging conditions.

Ben Powell batted solidly to anchor the innings, with only one significant partnership forming. Powell completed a deserved half century before being 9^th man out looking to boost the total in the closing overs. Scrivener and Smerdon helped the score to a competitive 175 for 9.

Whitchurch made an early breakthrough in the Paignton reply. Bray striking first. Massey then counterattacked with some lusty blows on his way to 37, but control from Bridgewater was maintained at the other end.

Bray took wickets at regular intervals aided by some fine catches from Ford, Heatley, Tamblin & Bob Powell, and completed his spell with 5 for 58. Bridgewater remained a model of accuracy completing 13 overs with figures of 2 for 20, the second wicket a peach of a delivery to remove Williams.

With wickets running out, Ashworth looked o be aggressive, but skied one to be well caught by Ford in the deep.

Tamblin chipped in with 2 for 21 and Heatley wrapped up victory by 53 runs, as Whitchurch maintained their position at the top of the table.

 Seconds v Lewdown, Away 3rd July

Whitchurch Seconds travelled to Lewdown in a top of the table clash. Both sides were struggling for bowlers, but Whitchurch having lost the toss (twice) were invited to bat first.

Andrew Vernon made an early breakthrough removing Barriball. Daymond and Doug Vernon then batted patiently to see off the openers of Gibbs and Vernon who bowled an accurate line.

With a change of bowling, Whitchurch stepped on the accelerator. Daymond and Vernon going on to complete a century partnership, before Vernon was caught off Barnes for 43. With the score on 107 for 2, Sherrell was licensed to attack and did so to devastating effect. He dominated a partnership with Daymond, who completed a deserved half century, before completing his own 50. Daymond eventually out for 57 and Sherrell for 68.

Vernon returned to the attack to go through the middle order, as Whitchurch lost wickets chasing a total that they hoped to defend. Vernon finished with 4 for 48 as Whitchurch closed on 229 for 9.

Lewdown got off to a rapid start. Martin (18) and Gibbs (42) added 71 for the first wicket in 14 overs.

A change in the bowling changed fortunes in Whitchurch’s favour. Tamblin turned one just enough to catch the edge of Martin’s bat, and Smerdon took a sharp chance behind. Vernon then removed Gibbs with no further addition to the score.

Shortly after Tamblin claimed a hat trick. First Squire nicked one to Smerdon again, and then Barber was bowled first ball. The hat trick ball wasn’t a great delivery, but Squires slashed at it and Smerdon took another catch.

From there Lewdown were looking for the losing draw. Hayden frustrated Whitchurch for a long time, but wickets continued to fall at the other end. Tamblin completed his spell with 5 for 19, as Vernon (2 for 49) and Barriball chipped in with other wickets.

It was left to Dom Monger to remove Hayden, assisting by a stunning one handed slip catch by Daymond, and then Ben Powell to wrap up the victory, as ‘keeper Smerdon snared his fifth victim. Whitchurch winning by 97 runs.

This was an excellent all round team performance, the result of which puts Whitchurch back on top of the table.

Seconds v Plymstock III – 26th June

Whitchurch found the going against bottom of the table Plymstock a lot harder than expected.

Plymstock won the toss and invited the home side to bat.

Whitchurch, as seems par the course of late, lost early wickets. Syed Ali, playing in the thirds to get away early bowled fast and aggressively making run scoring difficult. As a result Taper capitalized the other end taking 4 for 61.

At 45 for 5, Whitchurch were in trouble, but a great rebuilding partnership between Ben Powell and Tom Jackson turned the game around. Powell started the brighter as Jackson found his feet in his first knock of the season. Runs were scored in good time on a fast outfield.

Once Jackson was in, he played some lovely shots all around the ground and was the first to pass his half century. A 100 partnership soon followed, before Powell completed his first half century for the club.

Powell was eventually bowled by Howe (2 for 23) for 58, after a partnership of 134. Jackson then followed soon after for 80.

Tamblin and Bob Powell added a further 36 for the 9^th wicket, taking the total past the 200 mark. Whitchurch finally all out for 225 in 38 overs. Heath clearing things up with 2 for 4.

Whitchurch were quick out of the blocks in reply. Sharp in the field and bowling good lines. Josh Vernon was particularly hostile and was first to strike. Bird was then run out by Doug Vernon, who hit a single stump from point. Ali was then at the crease and attacked knowing that he had to leave early. He battled away with little support as Vernon ripped through the batting at the other end. After his first spell, Vernon had taken 5 wickets.

Ali and Taper added 77 for 8^th wicket, before Ali went for one big shot too many and was bowled by Doug Vernon for 97.

The end was then nigh. Tamblin took a tumbling return catch off his own bowling, but it was left to Josh Vernon to return and wrap up the victory, returning the excellent figures of 6 for 38 from 9 overs.

Whitchurch took the maximum 20 points from this match, while Plymstock earned their 8 points.  

Seconds v Babbacombe – Walls Hill 19th June

Whitchurch made the longest journey of the season over to Babbacombe, lost the toss and were invited to bat first on a challenging surface.

They made the worst possible start losing Vernon to the first ball of the match. Daymond soon followed and at 5 for 2 things were looking ominous.

Freedman (16) and Barriball (12) batted well through a difficult period as the variable bounce made runs hard to come by.

At the halfway stage Whitchurch were 50 for 4 and were soon to be 64 for 7. Stapleton (4 for 37) and Johnson (2 for 26) the principal bowlers.

However at that point Whitchurch struck back. Father and son combination, Bob and Ben Powell helped Whitchurch to their first batting point, adding 64 in all for the 8^th wicket. Bob was then bowled for 27, while Ben went on to finish undefeated on 42. Whitchurch closed on a competitive 147 for 8.

In reply, Babbacombe also found runs hard to score, but didn’t lose any wickets early doors.

Price was solid, while Bullen came in and tried to win the game in quick time. Bullen then had to retire hurt and the game swung back in to the balance.

Babbacombe passed a hundred with 8 wickets in tact and 14 overs to go, but tight bowling and fielding restricted the runs. Tamblin (2 for 41) and Kerswill ( 2 for 28) were aided by a run out from Barriball, as the run rate steadily increased.

30 runs needed off 7 overs became 21 off 2. Tamblin and Kerswill bowling tidily at the death to earn a winning draw for their side.

Whitchurch taking 11 points to Babbacombe’s 8.

Seconds v Bridestowe – Home 12th June

Whitchurch’s unbeaten record went in a thrilling game against local high flyers Bridestowe.

As always the Whitchurch pitch looked good to bat on, so when Tamblin won the toss for the 6^th game out of 7 there was no hesitation.

Jutson found some early swing though and bowled Powell through the gate with just 9 on the board. Daymond was then superbly caught at mid on by a running catch from Prouse.

Billy and Nigel Barriball then added 26, before Nigel became Jutson’s 3^rd victim.

Whitchurch was scoring pace at quiet a pace, but most batsmen got starts and then got out. Billy Barriball made 24, Josh Vernon 23 and Bob Powell 24, before Tamblin top scored with 28. Josh Monger hit his first 2 balls for 6, in a quick fire 18.

Ewan returned figures of 3 for 42 as Whitchurch were bowled out for 173 in 36 overs.

The Bridestowe reply was added by some wayward bowling and poor fielding. In all 6 catches were dropped – 3 in the first 2 overs – and 24 wides bowled.

Bridestowe were going nicely at 44 without loss, when Doug Vernon held a return catch to dismiss Batestone. Later is the same over Ewen was caught at slip by Daymond. Hatton soon followed for 27 and Whitchurch were back in the game.

In the last over before tea, Tamblin took a catch off his own bowling to remove Ian Jutson for 20, leaving Bridestowe on 94 for 2 at tea.

After the break, Lee Jutson and Prouse stepped up the run rate, adding 61 for the 5^th wicket, including Prouse clubbing 3 sixes in an over. Despite that onslaught Tamblin kept himself on and replied in style with a triple wicket maiden.

At 155 for 7 the game was once again in the balance. Runs became harder to come by as nerves set in all around. Tamblin added another wicket to complete his 5 wicket haul.

Bridestowe skipper Lee Jutson however remained calm and inched his side to victory with a composed 43 not out. Phil Down hitting the winning runs and securing the extra batting point, as Bridestowe won by 2 wickets.

Seconds v Cornwood 4ths – Away 5th June

Whitchurch Seconds made the short trip across the moor to face Cornwood fourths. Cornwood were unlucky to be struggling to field 4 teams and ran into a Whitchurch side fielding one of their strongest sides for many a year.

Despite the good, flat track, Tamblin had no hesitation in asking the young Cornwood side to bat. The bowlers soon backed up that decision. Bray struck first aided by a sharp catch behind by Ford. Ford then snaffled another, this time off Trembath.

At 41 for 3, Cornwood were up against it, but a few lusty blows from De Mendonca (22) helped his side pass the 50 mark, until Vernon knocked back his middle stump with a quick delivery.  Heatley ran through the tail, leaving Cornwood all out for 71 in 24 overs. All of Whitchurch’s bowlers maintained a good line and length and where well supported by their fielders.

In reply, Daymond and Elliott wasted little time in closing the game out. Daymond hit 2 sixes and 3 fours on his way to 35 not out, while Elliott was more correct closing on 25 not out. The winning runs sealed in the 11 over with no loss of wickets. 

Whitchurch took 20 points from this game and remain top of the table.

Seconds v Bovey Tracey 3rds – Home 29th May

The weather proved the winner as this match was called off at 5.30 when it became obvious that a definitive result would not be possible.

Only the hard work of the elder members of the team got the game started, albeit 30 mins late.

Whitchurch skipper Tamblin maintained the golden touch by winning the toss again and given the weather conditions invited Bovey to Bat.

Parr took 11 off the first over, but was then cleaned up by a swinging delivery from Bray. A second wicket soon followed as Powell took a sharp, one handed catch at gully.

Heatley then registered his first wicket with Powell taking a more regulation catch at gully. Bovey stalling at 25 for 3.

Preston steadied the ship on his way to a patient 34. He added 63 for the sixth wicket with Squire as Whitchurch became frustrated.

The weather then intervened and forced the players off.

As the showers came and went, play was limited to 2 or 3 overs at a time. Tamblin chipping in with a couple of quick wickets to remove Preston LBW, before Ford caught Woolcott using his knees.

As the overs diminished, shuffling the bowlers became a nightmare. Heatley completed his spell with 3 for 58 and Bray with 2 for 30.

The last wicket to fall was a towering catch on the boundary by Northey off Barriball.

At 132 for 8 one more shower forced the players from the field whereupon the captains shook hands and called it a day.

Seconds v Plymouth Civil Service 3rds – Sir John Hunt School 22nd May

Whitchurch seconds continued their fine start to the season with a good win away at Plymouth Civil Service thirds. The match was played at Sir John Hunt school on Astroturf, but only after the remnants of a BBQ had been cleared off the pitch. Whitchurch skipper Neil Tamblin won the toss for the 3^rd time in 4 matches and had no hesitation in asking the hosts to bat.

Josh Vernon backed up that decision with a wicket in his first over, caught at first slip by Paul Daymond after the ball had ricocheted off Pete Freedman’s thigh.

Apart from the usual high number of wides the run scoring remained low with Civil at 21 for 2 after 9.

Bowling changes yielded wickets. First Tamblin held on to a steepling catch off his own bowling to the surprise of most and then Doug Vernon claimed the fourth.

Read had scored quickly reaching 44, before being snared by a one handed catch by Daymond off Tamblin.

Tamblin (3 for 40) and Vernon (3 for 24) raced through their overs as the remainder of the Civil batting found runs hard to come. Trembath (2 for 27) cleared up the tail as Civil were dismissed for 115.

In reply, Whitchurch made a steady start. Daymond scored 17 before being caught behind off Yates. That brought Freedman to the crease, who despite playing his first match for 7 years looked as assured and composed as ever. Vernon was bowled by Ley, but Freedman and Ford added 47 for the 3^rd wicket as Whitchurch neared their target.

Civil returned the compliment, ceding 19 wides. With the scores level, Freedman pulled the ball away for 4 to complete a deserved half century.

Whitchurch took 19 points from the game and remain top if their division.

Seconds v Dartington & Totnes 3rds - Home 15^th May

Whitchurch continued their encouraging start to the season with an workmanlike win over Dartington & Totnes.

Whitchurch won the toss and inserted their visitors on a flat pitch that was soft on top. Dartington found runs hard to come by scoring only 40 off the first 20 overs. As they realised the need to accelerate, wickets fell. Some good catches were taken and 2 sharp run outs effected. Each of the Whitchurch bowlers (Josh Vernon, Doug Vernon, Joe Trembath and Neil Tamblin) took 2 wickets although a proliferation of wides helped extras to be the top scorer with 34 in the Dartington total of 147 all out.

In, reply Whitchurch had the perfect start. Doug Vernon was solid, while Paul Daymond played his shots. The pair put on 96 for the first wicket in only 15 overs, before Daymond was bowled for 57. Barriball continued to help his side towards their target with a quick fire 18.

Vernon was then out for 43, as Thomas (2 for 17) and Gornall ( 2 for 10) instigated a late wobble.

Having lost 5 wickets, Trembath hit consecutive boundaries to ensure that Whitchurch completed victory and reached 150 to earn maximum batting points and 20 in total.

The Seconds remain top of the table and visit Plymouth Civil Service 3rds next weekend.

Seconds v Paignton 3rds – Torquay Grammar School, 8^th May

Whitchurch Seconds travelled to the English Riviera to play Paignton 3rds, having scratched around for a team and only managing 10 hardy souls. It was a 4 jumper day down by the sea; definitely not weather for cricket.

Having lost the toss, Whitchurch were asked to bat and made a poor start. Wickets fell quickly leaving the side on 19 for 5 after 7 overs, with a quick finish looking highly probable. Williams with 3 wickets for the home side.

The Whitchurch fightback then began. Tamblin in partnership with Josh Vernon guided Whitchurch passed the 50 mark as runs became easier to score. Vernon out scored his skipper and registered a deserved half century. The partnership had added 123 for the 6^th wicket when Tamblin was bowled for 37. This was a new divisional record for the 6th wicket.

Vernon continued to marshal the tail well and completed his century with the overs running out. Sadly, he was bowled off the very next ball. Scrivener and Dom Monger batted out the last few balls to help Whitchurch post 179 for 8 from their allocation.

In reply, Paignton once again had the better of the early exchanges. Parker (26) and Luck (23) helped their side pass 50 without loss.

Tamblin made the decisive breakthrough, with Ford taking a fine, leg side catch.

Wickets then fell regularly as Doug Vernon found his line and length, bowling 13 overs straight through to finish with 4 for 33. Tamblin chipped in with 3 for 34 and Josh Vernon with 2 for 34, as Paignton collapsed to 113 all out. Late resistance coming from Ashworth with 26.

Whitchurch took an unexpected 19 points from this fixture, winning by 66 runs.

Seconds v Lewdown – Home 1^st May

This was an encouraging start to the season for both teams. An even contest throughout, it was apt that rain should bring an early close being that both teams finished with 13 points.

With rain always forecast, it was no surprise that Whitchurch, having won the toss invited the visitors to bat first.

Josh Vernon bowled with good pace and should have had a wicket with this 2^nd ball. Skipper Tamblin setting a new record for the earliest drop of the season. Two balls later, though Vernon had his man, with the safer hands of Elliott snaffling the catch.

Ollie Brown steadied the Lewdown ship as the score passed 50, but 3 quick wickets shifted the balance back to Whitchurch. Sivyer was introduced to the attack and struck twice in his first over.

Lewdown skipper Worth then counter attacked with good effect, bludgeoning the bowling to a quick fire 60, as wickets continued to fall at the other end. Sivyer claimed 3 for 28 from his spell, before Vernon returned to collect a second victim to record 2 for 24 from 10 overs.

Tamblin bore the brunt of Worth’s hitting, but finally got his man and then cleaned up the tail to finish with 4 for 59.

Lewdown all out for 165 in 35 overs.

Lewdown got the perfect start in reply, with Street taking a sharp return catch off his own bowling in the first over.

Sivyer and Barrriball then batted sensibly to see off the new ball and add 75 for the 2^nd wicket.

As the clouds darkened, play was suspended for 10 minutes, during which time Lewdown re-grouped. Wickets fell at regular intervals, including a suicidal run out. All the while Whitchurch were inching towards their target; Sivyer with 48 and Daymond 23, whilst Street took 3 for 42.

Further heavy rain forced the players from the field again. Play briefly resumed but in less than over, conditions became too difficult, leaving Lewdown 2 wickets short of victory and Whitchurch 28 runs short. All results still a possibility.