Somerset League Div Two: Whitchurch (17) 160 lost to North Petherton (35) 210-9 by 50 runs

NORTH Petherton travelled to a damp and overcast Whitchurch on Saturday and, without hesitation, the hosts asked them to take first knock.

The Petherton innings was almost a carbon copy of the previous week, with the early loss of two wickets for ten runs, a gradual recovery and then an acceleration towards the end.

Owen Irish (20) and Keith Williams (25) occupied the crease to see off the openers and start the recovery before skipper Tom Williams patiently built on that with a hard-fought 44.

Then a blistering 47 from James Baker, which included 4 sixes, took Petherton past the 200 mark to reach 210-9.

In reply, Whitchurch lost wickets at a steady rate. Lewis Irish removed the top four batsmen, aided by some excellent catches in the outfield, to finish with fine figures of 4-12 off eight overs.

At this point, Whitchurch were reeling on 40-4, then they ground their way slowly to 91-8 before a rearguard action frustrated Petherton and took the home side to 156-8. Ian Bishop (4-49 off nine overs) accounted for another four batsmen.

With the light now desperately poor and just a few overs left, they succumbed to an inevitable defeat with Ian Hucker picking up the last two wickets as Whitchurch were all out for 160 and Petherton took maximum points.

On Saturday, Petherton 1st X1 are at home to Wedmore.

12:28pm Sunday 18th May 2008

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