BRADNINCH ran into North Devon’s Aussie all-rounder Adrian Isherwood at Instow and came off second best again in a 32-run defeat.
Isherwood must like the Bradninch bowling as he took a century off them earlier in the season – and did it again in the rematch with an unbeaten 110.
His left-arm spin proved troublesome for Bradninch when the sides last met and second four-wicket haul against them did the Ninch no favours.
Isherwood and Josh King (52) had the only scores over 25 in North Devon’s total of 222 for seven. Only two other batters – Dan Bowser and Ed Yeo – reached double figures.
Bradninch had it all to do after Rikki Kelly (2-26) and King reduced them to 20 for three. Gary Chappell (20), Ross Acton (45), Kian Burns (28) and Leon Horn (38) set about repairing the damage.
At 183 for seven with Thom Bunker on 29, the game could have gone either way. Isherwood trapped Bunker lbw and the last three wickets went for seven runs as the Ninch dipped to 190 all out.
Bradninch remain one off the bottom, but remain in sight of fellow strugglers Hatherleigh, who lost to Exmouth.
Skipper Gary Chappell felt it was a game that got away.
“It was a game we should have won,” said Chappell
“We got in a fantastic position to have them 58 for five, but dropped catches cost us again.
“We were also a bowler light so they got 30 more than they should have.
“But 220 was below par and it would have been a relatively easy chase but for some harsh umpiring decision as they were light on bowling and the wicket/outfield was good."
“Fair play to a few of our young lads for taking it deep and nearly stealing it.”
Tom Popham, who led the side in the North Devon side in the absence of skipper Matt Westaway, said getting a defendable total was only half the story,.
“Bradninch dropped plenty of easy chances, which would have put us in trouble.
“We battled well in the field, took our catches and bowled good lines and lengths, which the wicket required.”
