Skipper Piper top scores as Exmouth rack-up win over Bradninch | 'It couldn't have gone better for us,” said Piper. “There were some really good performances individually as well as a team'

Hitting out - Tim Piper

TIM Piper reminded his old Bradninch team-mates what they are missing with a half-century for current club Exmouth in a hefty 171-run win over his old pals.

Piper, a former Bradninch captain, now skippers Premier Division Exmouth and led from the front with a top score of 50 in the Maer Grounders 40-over total of 279 for seven.

Louis Morison opened up with Piper and made 39 in a hurry before he was first out on 58.

Piper retired after reaching 50 off 60 balls to allow Dan Pyle (41), Pete Turnbull (23), Hugo Hammond (37no) and Fin Marks (48) some time in the middle.

Keeping the runs down was an issue for Bradninch, although spinners Josh Farley (2-16) and Gary Chappell (3-30) fared better than most other than Mitch Pugh (0-23).

Bradninch were all out for 108. They never remotely looked like making the runs after Turnbull (4-19) took out four of the top six for 38 runs scored.

Darren Paul (25), Talan Burns (16) and Bradninch captain Eliot Acton (16) sold their wickets dearly, but two wickets each for Andy Buzza and Billy Rudolph ended their resistance.

Piper may have been the leading run getter for his side, but he was eager to spread the credit around.

“It couldn't have gone better for us,” said Piper. “There were some really good performances individually as well as a team.

“We were missing a few including Horler, George Greenway and our overseas, so it was a good chance to have a look at a few people for different roles.

“We have a strong squad and the lads are excited to get going.”

Acton will know it is a big step-up for his A Division team to take on a Premier side, especially with some new faces in the team who are settling in.

It may have been a heavy defeat, but Acton could see plus points.

“Exmouth clearly dominated and capitalised with an impressive team performance on a great wicket 

“Exmouth have a very strong batting side and I would expect them to be pushing for the Premier title this year. 

“Pete Turnbull blew us away up-front, which did not help our reply. 

“It wasn't our day with bat or ball, but we learnt a lot from the loss and are looking forward to bouncing against Thorverton this Saturday.”

SANDFORD came off second best against University of Exeter in a 40-over friendly at Creedy Park.

The students were all out for 257, which was enough for a 23-run win after Sandford were bowled out for 234 in reply.

Skipper Richard Foan (70) and opener Ryan Glass (51) were Sandford’s primary run getters.

Foan said the result was less important than the time spent with bats and balls in hand.

“The university sent a decent side and we had another good run out,” said Foan.

“Perhaps we let them get a few too many, but their lower order batted well. 

“Pete Steer and Jamie Palmer bowled well and good to see Ricky Hopwood getting some overs in and taking his first wickets for the club.

“Chasing 257 was a pretty big ask, but we only ended up 20-odd short and everyone got some time in the middle.”