WATCHET went down by four wickets away to Whitchurch in their Division Two match on Saturday, but for once they were by no means outplayed by a more experienced side.

Not for the first time this season Watchet were let down by a lack of travelling commitment and had to draft in two 12-year-olds.

But after being put into bat for the fifth successive game, they scored their highest total away from home - 170-7.

Philip Milton provided the backbone of the innings with 43, batting very maturely for 37 overs before being dismissed as he tried to up the run rate.

His solid innings allowed Martin Strong to hit a quick 32, and John Harris finished unbeaten on 24 having played some fine shots.

In reply, Whitchurch got off to a flying start, scoring 60 runs in only 12 overs.

Martin Strong then struck twice as they were reduced to 99-4, but he then had to leave the field after being struck in the face.

Whitchurch carried on scoring freely with Brian Eaves carrying his bat for 46 as they passed Watchet's total with six wickets down and six overs to spare.

John Harris took his first wicket for Watchet and Jason Strong should have had one with only his second ball for the first team but a catch was dropped.

Watchet: 170-7 (P Milton 43, M Strong 32, J Harris 24no, M Charlton 3-36).

Whitchurch: 172-6 (B Eaves 46no, K McCormack 27, S Meszaros 22no, M Strong 2-3).

Points: Whitchurch 24 Watchet 7.