By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE
GARY Chappell clattered an unbeaten century to point Bradninch towards a 33-run win at Sandford in their first warm-up game of the season.
Chappell likes to get on with it and his 102 came off just 75 balls with seven sixes and the same number of fours. After reaching three figures, Chappell retired to give team-mates some batting time.
Mitch Pugh (32), Leon Horn (32) and Bunker (21) all chipped in towards a total of 249 for seven in 40 overs.
Josh King (3-59) had wickets on his Sandford debut. Skipper Richard Foan (1-20 off 6) was the most economical bowler.
Sandford, 108 for two at halfway, found the bowling of Chappell (2-32) and Ankit Badwall (2-31) tough to score against as a promising start fell away
Opener Foan (37) was involved in stands of 40 with Ryan Glass (27) and 52 with Harrison Jones (34) while the going was good.
Lawrence Walker (24) and Adam Small (38) both chipped in, but what was lacking was a sizeable score to hang a chase on.
Chappell (2-33) and Ankat Badwall (2-31) kept the runs down as Sandford slowed to 216 for seven.
It wasn’t the result Sandford captain Foan would have liked but he was not too perturbed either.
“It was great to be back playing and everyone enjoyed the game,” said Foan.
“For the first game of the season it was a good run out with everyone having a bat and bowl and we fielded really well.
“Josh King and Pete Steer were excellent with the ball and showed good control.
“Everyone got time in the middle with the bat. Adam Small batted well through the middle overs.”
On man of the match Chappell, Foan said: “He batted very well as he seems to always do when he comes to Sandford.”
Sandford’s pre-season programme continues this Saturday when University of Exeter are the visitors. Bradninch are away to Exmouth, where they will run into former captain Tim Piper with his current club.
THORVERTON’S new captain Jake Choules was pleased to see some of the basics done well in the 34-run win over Cullompton.
Ben Coe top scored with 39 as a Thorverton recovered from a wobbly 64 for four to make 196 for nine on 45 overs.
The wickets were shared around as Cully were bowled out for 162 with more than eight overs un-bowled.
Choules said the importance of getting to the end of the 45 overs could not be underestimated.
“Batting our overs is something we've talked about as a group and I think it was crucial,” said Choules.
“We were 64 for four at one point then the middle order of Coe, Diamond, Heard did a great job of steadying the ship.
“Then we took early wickets and always felt in control.
“It was a good start and we now look forward to Barton this week”
Thors’ opener Andy Pitt (30) got the total up to 64 for one. His departure to Jason Parr (3-22) was one of three wickets to fall without a run scored. Newcomer Tom Diamond (35) and Coe stopped the slide and helped see out the overs.
Alex Clist and Nathan Vincent had two wicket each for Cullompton.
Cully struggled against Coe (2-13) and Ben Slaviero (2-41) early in their reply and were 21 for three before Brendon Parr (27) and Tom Mortiboys (29) started the fightback.
Skipper Jason Parr (49) kept Cully in the hunt for a while, but lacked reliable support for long at the other end.
Alex Jopling (2-19 kept the pressure on and Choules claimed the important wicket of opposite number Jason Parr as Cully faded.
Cullompton have a double date with Ivybridge this Saturday. The 1st XI are away and the 2nd XI at home.
SHOBROOKE Park came off second best in a warm-up game against visiting Hatherleigh.
Rob Fisheigh (79) and Jasper Presswell (51) both scored half-centuries in Hatherleigh’s 40-over score of 207 for four.
Fishleigh and Pressswell put on 112 for the third Hatherleigh wicket. Johnny Brett, Lucas Richards, Joe Harris and Josh Lamprecht took one wicket each.
Shobrooke were 136 for seven in reply when their overs ran out. No one made more than Chris Ford, who shored up an end for 55 balls while making 27 not out. Next best with 23 was Jon James.
Six bowlers took a wicket each for Hatherleigh. Richards was run out.
Shobrooke are at home to West Monkton this Saturday.
SAMPFORD Peverell & Tiverton start the countdown to their season in the D Division East with an away game against Minehead 2nd XI this Saturday.
They are not short of ambition at Whitnage Road, where facilities on and around the ground have been improved over the winter.
Joe Parkinson, the captain, wants to move the club up the divisions in the Tolchards Devon League and isn’t afraid to say so.
“We are aiming for two promotion pushes,” said Parkinson, who hopes the 2ndXI can get out of the F Division this summer,
Although there some doubt about the Bucknells continuing to play for SP&T this season – both featured in Heathcoat’s 2ndX last Saturday – Parkinson is confident in his squad.
“We did not know they were playing until we saw Heathcoat’s team sheet,” said Parkinson.
“As it stands we have not lost any players and have gained a couple.
“Jack Bradbury will coach the juniors and seniors along with Tim Hill, who used to play for Heathcoat.
“And we expect to get stronger throughout the season as schools and universities break up.”
