BRAUNTON cruised to a five-wicket win over A Division rivals Barton with time on their hands.

Barton opener Nick Watkin batted through for an unbeaten 109 – 12 fours, one six, 146 balls faced – in a team total of 207 for six.

Along the way there were stands of 43 with Muhammad Basit (26) and 65 unbroken with Riley Calland (18no).

Callum Mitchell (2-23) and veteran Jon Baglow (2-19) were the meanest of Braunton’s 10-over bowlers.

“Baglow and Mitchell were outstanding for us, which left Barton showing virtually no interest in taking risks,” said Braunton skipper Sam Reddick.

“Taking wickets at right times prevented Barton finding another gear. We felt 207 was a very gettable total at tea.”

Braunton’s run chase was a routine affair spearheaded by opener Reddick with 59 and only punctuated from time to time by wickets falling.

Andy Norman (20), Callum Mitchell (40no) and Simon Murfet (20) all contributed to winning the game with more than eight overs in hand. Forty-two extras helped.

“Very pleased with how we managed to rebuild with a couple of solid partnerships after losing wickets in the chase,” said Reddick.

Steve Lewis, the Barton captain, said his side are only going to get better as players return to the side.

“In the grand scheme of things we were missing three or four key batsmen,” said Lewis.

“Within that though we built good partnerships throughout with Nick, who in the context and circumstance played the best innings I’ve seen at this level of cricket.

“The difference between the sides was when we got a wicket they batted very well to not allow us to gain momentum.

“We were outplayed, but I was very happy with the side’s efforts, the changing room atmosphere and the we-will-turn-this-around-attitude.”