By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

BRADNINCH will attempt to retain the title they won last year in tomorrow’s (Sunday’s) Sunbelt Rentals Devon Cup finals day at Plympton.

The Ninch defeated Exmouth in last summer’s final at Bovey Tracey to lift the trophy for the first time.

Bovey Tracey lie in wait for Bradninch in the second semi-final (1pm) and captain Gary Chappell does not intend to relinquish the cup without a fight.

“We've got the majority available so we're looking to go and retain our title,” said Chappell.

“Bovey have some good spinners and free-scoring batters, and their overseas (Munir Kakar) is clearly decent so it's a game that can go either way. 

“Anything can happen in T20 and all four sides have match winners.

“We enjoy T20 and have normally done well, so looking forward to another finals day.”

Bradninch cruised to a nine-wicket win over Barton in the last eight to reach finals day

Bovey are not quite at full strength – Seb Ansley, Ryan Bougourd, Sam Taylor and Chris Bradley are not around – although skipper Lewis Hammett is largely unconcerned.

Second-team captain Dan Green has won T20 games almost on his own in the past and he’s not the only player coming up for Bradninch to worry about.

“Dan Green is one of the cleanest strikers of a ball around and can change a game if he gets going,” said Hammett.

“Left-arm spinner Oliver Clifford-Bourne is one to watch out for for people who don't know much about him.”

Hammett feels Muir should pose a threat with the bat and is backing Will Christophers to make things happen in the attack.

“Will Christopher's with the ball will be key for us,” said Hammett.

On the challenge of facing the holders in the semi-final, Hammett said: “ Bradninch are an experienced side and will probably go in as favourites against us. 

“They have dangerous players across their side and we are looking forward to the challenge.”

Kakar made a brisk 60 for Bovey in the 40-run win over Cornwood that took them into the last four.

By the time Bovey and Bradninch square up to each other at 1pm, they will know who is already through to the final as Plymouth will have met Sandford in the 10am start 

Plymouth are quietly confident having disposed of Heathcoat by six wickets at the quarter-final stage.

Richard Goldsby-West, the Plymouth captain, can barely wait for the game to get under way.

“The boys are buzzing to get out there and have a crack at a quality outfit – and we have a strong side ready to go,” said Goldsby-West.

Sandford, conquerors of Exeter in the quarter-finals, are hamstrung by availability issues and a clash with Devon’s game against Cornwall that denies them the services of in-form batter Adam Small.

“As we are hosting the county game as well we have a lot going on this weekend,” said Sandford skipper Richard Foan.

“We will obviously give it a good crack and, you never know, the shorter format is a bit of a lottery anyway and it only takes one of two to get going…

“All four teams have a lot of firepower so it should be a very entertaining day.”

All forms of Sunday cricket in mid-season run the risk of clashing with county fixtures and county age-group games as well as commitments in the North Devon League.

Foan said he would like to see the league consider moving the Devon Cup forward April instead.

“I really think the league should look at this competition as a pre-season event,” said Foan.

“It could be a great way to get the season going, rather then meaningless friendly games.”