BRADNINCH stay third in the Premier table following a 39-run win over Exeter at Kensham Park.
Skipper Gary Chappell and Aussie Matt Foster both hit half-centuries, and Andy Buzza wasn’t far behind, as Bradninch made 257 for seven in their 50 overs.
Exeter were all out for 220 with four overs to go – Foster taking four wickets and veteran Chris Acton three more.
Bovey Tracey still top the table on 140 points with Exmouth second (118) and Bradninch (113) third.
Bradninch could go second this Saturday if they defeat visiting Torquay and Exmouth lose at North Devon.
Chappell (50) was third out on 80 to veteran seamer Jon Tipper. A stand of 66 between Charlie Walker (37) – back at Bradnich after a stint with Clevedon in the WEPL to strengthen the batting – and Foster moved the score to 146 for four,
Foster (52) and Tim Piper (26) racked up 43 more before Pete Hensor (2-66) removed Foster.
Buzza – run out for 42 – and Will Greig (15no) put in 48 in six overs at the end.
Exeter hung their reply on an anchorman knock from opener Alex Barrow, who had Bradninch edgy the longer he stayed there.
A stand of 72 for the third wicket between Barrow and Miles Lenygon (38) got Exeter to 106 for three with 30 overs to go.
Harvey Sargent (22) and Barrow added 51 for the fifth wicket after Somerset Academy starlet Tom Lammonby went cheaply to Chappell (2-29).
Acton (3-31) finally accounted for Barrow, who batted two minutes short of two hours for his 68,
Foster (4-18) removed Robin Fern in the next over and Acton claimed Tipper in the one after that as Exeter slid from 162 for four to 169 for eight.
It wasn’t over yet though as Hensor chipped and chivvied his way to 32 while adding 51 for the last two wickets with Robin Dunn and Harry Conway.
Buzza had Hensor stumped at the end of the 46th over, not that Chappell felt Bradninch were in any danger of losing by then.
“It was touch and go until Barrow got out and then the game was ours,” said Chappell.
“Exeter have the best top order in the division when at full strength so defending that score when missing a couple key bowlers was pleasing.
“Foster bowled very well with the new ball to get key wickets in Holman and Green, and Chris Acton bowled very well and gave us good control in the middle.
“We batted well but should have posted another 20-30.
“Everyone got out just as they got going and 30-50s need to be turned into 70-pluses.”
