This week Yeovil Whirlwinds faced a visit down to Exeter to play the Exeter Spitfires, last time out the spoils were shared by the two teams, with each taking one win in the double header hosted by Yeovil.
On what was a blustery day in Exeter, Yeovil were missing several key players through injury and other commitments. Fielding a scratch side that featured 2 players borrowed from Exeter, Yeovil stepped up to bat first. Exeter came out guns blazing, keeping Yeovil scoreless in their first innings.
Having started the day expecting to play short stop, young Ed Blades stepped in to pitch for Yeovil for only the second time. A real admirable effort from Ed was not enough to quell the Spitfires, who batted superbly. Yeovil were their normal industrious selves but Exeter were relentless in their pursuit of runs, storming into an early lead.
This was the story of the game really, both teams battling well, but Exeter just too strong for Yeovil on the day. Stubborn performances at bat for Yeovil did offer glimmers of hope that they could mount a challenge, but the Spitfires were quick to nip this in the bud and continued amassing runs.
The fifth innings saw a change at pitcher for Yeovil. Dave Martin came in to pitch the final two innings, unfortunately despite Yeovil’s best efforts Exeter had the ascendency and didn’t look as if they were too keen to give it up. Dave Martin pitching for only the 3rd time was able to get his first strike out for the Whirlwinds, this was voted “play of the day” by his Yeovil team mates, well done Dave!
In the final few innings of the game, both teams kept the runs flowing, but on the day Exeter just proved too strong for the ever-resilient Whirlwinds and ran out 24-10 winners.
As always Exeter were great hosts. A special mention needs to be made to Cody and Olly, Exeter players who stepped in to play for Yeovil today, both played really well, Cody in particular was excellent, thanks lads! Without this sportsmanship from Exeter the game would not have been able to go ahead. This is the final time the two teams will meet this season, we look forward to playing Exeter in 2023.
Yeovil Whirlwinds return to training Tuesday evening at 6:45pm at Bradford Abbas sports and recreation club, all are welcome. Whirlwinds next game is at home against Plymouth Mariners, Sunday 31st July, first pitch is at 12.
Jess Cullen (26/7/22)