Chappell (@ppauk) plays key role in Bradninch's win over Hatherleigh

Back in the old routine – Bradninch skipper Gary Chappell

By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

BRADNINCH marked their return to the Premier Division with a thumping seven-wicket win at Hatherleigh.

Hatherleigh got to 73 for none thanks to an opening stand between Eddie Jones (38) and Rob Fishleigh (29) – then performed a monumental vanishing act as they slumped to 74 for five.

Skipper Gary Chappell (5-11) spun through the top order and with Eliot Acton taking four more wickets the home side were skittled out for 145. Without Niall Leahy’s patient 39, Hatherleigh would have been in even deeper trouble.

Left-armer Ross Acton bowled 10 overs for just 12 runs conceded to put pressure on Hatherleigh.

Opener Chappell (52) took Bradninch to 70 for two and when he departed to Charlie Presswell the baton passed to Ross Acton.

Acton was still there on 48 not out at the early end in the 39th over, which came when he dispatched Sean Letheren for two successive boundaries.

Presswell and Hatherleigh captain Mark Lake only went for 16 and eight runs respectively from seven tidy overs.

Winning captain Chappell was content to win a low-scoring game on what he described as ‘a tough wicket’.

Chappell added: “We bowled well to keep a lid on the runs and took our chances when they came. 

“It was a relatively straightforward run chase with not many risks needed and Ross showed great patience and maturity in his knock.”

Lake said although there were mitigating factors, he could not hide behind excuses. 

“Although we were short of players we were in the driving seat at drinks but batted poorly in the second half of our innings,” said Lake.

“Chappell was a different class with bat and ball and, in the end, he was probably the difference between the sides. 

“We will go again this Saturday in a difficult trip to Paignton.”