PREMIER CENTRAL

By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

JOSH Farley’s first five-wicket haul as a Bradninch player was a big factor in the 120-run win over Cullompton.

Farley, who joined the Ninch from Kentisbeare at the start of the 2019 season, spun his way to five for 26 as Cully were bowled out for 107 chasing 228 to win.

His previous best for Bradninch was four for 46 in a low-scoring affair against Cornwood last season.

With Farley spinning away at one end and left-armer Gary Chappell (4-18) having a twirl at the other, there was no respite for the Cullompton batters.

Opener Tom Bendall made 34 and Brendon Parr 19, but of the other nine batters only Adrian Pullin (15no) made more than seven.

Eliot Acton, the Bradninch captain, said it was not a shock to see Cullompton’s batters perish the way they did.

“Our bowling was excellent and the way Cullompton tried to play it was no surprise the spinners did the damage,” said Acton. 

“Josh Farley showed great control and deserved his five wickets – and, Gary did a great job at the other end.”

Chappell also looked good with a bat in his hand, following the previous game’s ton against Exeter with 75.

Chappell put on 60 with Thom Bunker (22), 58 with Farley (26) and 28 with Mitch Pugh, who went on to make 46.

Paul Rendall, who switched to Bradninch from Sampford Peverell & Tiverton during the close season, took four wickets for 54 runs.

Matt Ottery (2-21) and Pullin (0-24) proved difficult to score against.

Said Acton: “The top order, anchored by Gary, set the platform for a good total that was a lot of runs on a difficult pitch to score when bowlers hit their areas. 

“Pleased with the result and the performance, especially in a game where the opposition had a lot to say for themselves.”

BOVEY Tracey remain hard on the heels of Bradninch at the top of the Premier Central table following a hefty 155-run win over Exeter on the County Ground.

Ashley Causey gave a nudge to the county club management with a top score of 95 as Bovey Tracey accelerated away to make 260 for seven.

James White (23) and Matt Golding  (24) had given Bovey a solid start but it was Causey with Lewis Hammett (29no) in a stand of 123 for the seventh wicket who really moved things along.

Spin was the only thing that slowed Bovey’s charge, as proved by Exeter skipper Ed Middleton (2-21) and Sam Read (2-43).

Exeter’s reply got off the worst possible start as opener Dominic Tuohey was bowled by Hugo Whitlock’s first ball after the break. 

Wickets fell steadily to Ryan Bougourd (3-25), Toby Codd (2-13) and Peter Bradley (2-24) as Exeter slithered from 65 for four to 81 for eight. 

Pete Hensor (20no) delayed the inevitable for a couple of overs until he ran out of partners.

Victory leaves Bovey just half a point behind Bradninch at the top of the table.

Winning captain Codd said: “It was a really good all-round performance. 

“We looked in a bit of trouble with the bat, but Ash Causey and Lewis Hammett were superb to get us up to an above-par score. 

The pitch wasn't easy. It was a bit two-paced and the odd ball popped. Ash Causey in particular was superb and played the match-winning innings. 

“It's not the first time we've seen him play that sort of match-deciding innings in the last few years.  He's really developed into a superb player and is so important for us.”

On the bowling front, we just did what we needed to do. Every bowler did their job and made my life as captain very easy.  Everyone bowled to their field and we took our chances.”

Bovey Tracey are back at Ashburton Road this Saturday for the visit of Cullompton, who will have a point to prove after being bowled out for 18 when the sides met in round two.

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