BRADNINCH moved within two points of Premier Division safety when they thrashed Sandford by 10 wickets in the basement battle at Kensham Park.
The Ninch have struggled to recapture the form that took the to runners-up spot last season and have languishing around the bottom three for most of the current one.
If anyone thought Bradnich were going to roll over quietly, this result should put them straight. They remain in the bottom two but have pulled 26 points clear of rock-bottom Sandford.
Bradninch have to get ahead of Hatherleigh, who are only one point in front after their defeat by leaders Heathcoat
Where do Sandford go from here? Straight back to the A Division unless they do something to improve on a played 11, lost 10 record.
Sandford skipper Richard Foan made 62 – he was third out on 114 – and Faisal Iqbal hit 51 in a total of 183 all out.
Gary Chappell (3-22) had the edge over three bowlers who had two wickets each.
Bradninch won at a gallop on the back of an unbeaten century from opener Rory Thomas.
Thomas, who hit 17 fours and four sixes in a 64-ball stay, was unbeaten on 64.
Tim Piper’s 53 not out at the other end – nine fours, 64 balls – was sedentary in comparison.
Not surprisingly, winning skipper Chappell was up beat in the wake of the result.
“A much-needed and satisfying win,” said Chappell.
“ It was another big toss to lose but we stuck at it in the field.
“Foany and Iqbal played well, but once we broke that partnership we really put pressure on the rest and it wasn't an easy wicket to come in on.
“Tim Piper and Rory Thomas batted superbly. Sandford didn't bowl as well as they normally, do but credit to our lads, particularly Rory for not letting them settle.
“His was a chanceless and seriously impressive 100 on a tricky wicket.
“There’s still plenty of work for us to do so we move on to North Devon this week.”
Disappointed Sandford skipper Foan was keeping his own counsel after the game, preferring to reflect in private on what went wrong.
It won’t be any easier for Sandford this Saturday as they are at home to second-placed Exeter.
