Whittle now knew what was required to ensure he could look his friend in the eyes and he provided the goods. His fifty took 37 balls and with Joe Webb they advanced the score to 274 off forty-six overs when Webb chanced his arm to be caught. It was now two a ball from Whittle with dot balls almost an extinct species as James Harris ensured the scorer had the opportunity of bringing out the extra digit on the scoreboard as he also made sure that he was run out as Whittle was flirting with a Japanese method of suicide. Shane Evenden made certain that the sacrifices had been worthwhile as in the final over the pair scored 19– Whittle had hit three sixes in his final 8 scoring shots. A huge boost for the side who had batted as a unit as they reached 323.

With everyone present after tea the team then completed the exercise with Shane Evenden having both openers caught behind by the agile Smith. Harry Geering picked up his first county scalp. With the unfortunate injury to Simon Ashplant, it was good to see him at the ground and ready to bowl again, Bradninch’s Billy Wakely has been given the opportunity to claim a spinner’s role in the side. He took two wickets for 19 off his ten overs and perhaps deserves another chance at this level to stake a claim for a permanent place in the squad. Pyne took two wickets in his spell and Joe Webb was given an opportunity of bowling. It was James Harris who made the biggest impression having gone for 7 in his first spell he picked up 3-4 in his final three overs, the runs coming off just one scoring shot. The Island were bowled out for 84 with the fielding generally tidy, noise levels reasonable, keeping excellent and captaincy on the ball. Both Acton and Buzza unselfishly gave up opportunities to bowl to give others a chance but from now on it is full speed ahead as we build up momentum for the Isle of Wight (who have a water shortage and problems watering their pitches – a change from the last two summers) and the two day game in 2007. The 15s are unfortunately out of both competitions enabling them to feature but the hoped for progress of Heathcoat in the Portman Cup may create problems on the Festival Wednesday.

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