One more win the survival target for Bradninch captain Chappell

Bradninch skipper Gary Chappell - one more win is his survival target

BRADNINCH edged closer to Premier Division safety when they beat Hatherleigh by two wickets in a Duckworth-Lewis determined basement battle at Holsworthy Road.

The Ninch (157pts) are not out of danger yet as the bottom two – Sandford (137) and Hatherleigh (128) - can still get past them.

The pressure is on the bottom two now, in particular Hatherleigh, who hit rock bottom as Sandford defeated North Devon to go past them.

Opener Ryan Davies made 63 – he was fifth out at 90 – and Simon Gillespie had 54 off 34 balls in Hatherleigh’s 32-over total of 175 for eight. No one else made more than nine.

Kalann Nessling, who started the season with Upottery in the D Division East, was Bradninch’s leading wicket taker with three for 39. Skipper Gary Chappell picked up two for 17.

Bradninch had to make 137 to win in 22 overs thanks to the DLS and stumbled over the line with just two balls to spare.

Rory Thomas (38) and Charlie Walker (44) negotiated a difficult spell from Dan Fogerty (4-23) to get Bradninch within 25 runs. Bits and pieces from the lower order won it.

The significance of the result was not lost on Bradninch skipper Chappell, who said: “It was a really important win.

“Hatherleigh will probably say Duckworth-Lewis cost them but that’s cricket.

“It changed the complexion of the run chase with more risks needing to be taken.

“If anything the altered target favoured them.

“We massively under performed, so it's nice to win knowing we have plenty more in the tank.

“We aren't out of the woods yet. One more win should probably do it.”

Bradninch have a toughie this Saturday as they are at home to leaders Exeter.

Hatherleigh skipper Mark Lake, who was unable to play due to an injury, said it was a tough defeat to take.

“I was very proud of the lads as it was a brilliant effort in the worst of the conditions,” said Lake.

“We had to bat first in bowler-friendly conditions then bowl with a wet ball when Duckworth-Lewis was always in favour of the batsmen   

“Credit to Bradninch though for wanting to get the game on as much as we did.”

Hatherleigh go to Plymouth this Saturday.

SANDFORD won for the second week running to go past Hatherleigh, but still have some work to do to find the 21-point needed to get past Bradninch and reach safety.

Sandford defeated North Devon by 106 runs in a rain-affected game at Instow to move off the bottom of the Premier Division table.

Sandford made 204 for eight in 33 rain-reduced overs, which was scaled up to 222 using the Duckworth-Lewis System.

An opening stand of 86 between Richard Foan (40) and Freddie Filor (31) was topped up by Adam Small (23), Chris Simpson (32 off 14 balls) and Chris Jelley (22).

Steffan James (3-39) took three wickets and there were two each for Matt Westaway and Adrian Isherwood.

North Devon finished a long way short on 116 for eight. Opener Dan Bowser made 22, which was the only score above 20 in the innings.

Jamie Palmer and Faisal Iqbal had identical figures of two for 23 from seven overs and skipper Foan (3-18) spun out most of the middle order.

Foan said North Devon could have no complaints about the outcome.

“We dominated the game from the first ball and they we're never in it,” said Foan.

“I am enjoying watching the players show how good they can be and taking games to the opposition.

“Other results have not helped our cause, but we can only win games and keep in touch.

“I think a couple of other team might be starting to look over their shoulders.”

about the result.

Losing captain Matt Westaway said of North Devon's display: “It was a sub-standard performance.

“Sandford were really up for the challenge and showed great intent when they batted.

“After tea we struggled to get any momentum with Jamie Palmer in particular putting us under pressure and giving very few scoring opportunities.

“After 12 overs we were out of the contest. We can have no complaints as they deserved to win on the day.
“I am hoping for strong availability this Saturday as we look to bounce back.”

HEATHCOAT’S home game against Plymouth was rained off without a ball bowled.

The running order at the top of the Premier table with three games to go remains Exeter (230pts), Heathcoat (226) and Sidmouth (223).

Heathcoat’s last three games start this Saturday with North Devon at Instow, followed by Exeter (away) then Sandford at home on the last day.

Peter Randerson, the Heathcoat skipper, said as none of the title rivals played in the last round, nothing much has changed.

“The equation remains a simple one: three wins for the title,” said Randerson.

Bovey Tracey got started against Exmouth, who were 76 for two when rain stopped play.