Bradninch head for Budleigh in T20 qualifier

BRADNNCH were 53-run winners when they travelled to Topsham St James to play a Service Master Clean Devon T20 tie.

Rain delayed the start and when play eventually got under way it was to contest a 12-over affair.

The A Division side batted first and powered their way to 133-1. Dan Hardy led the Bradninch effort with a 32-ball knock of 71 with seven 4s and three 6s.

He and Gary Chappell put on 77 in eight overs before Chappell fell to a straight delivery from Charlie Penn.

The former Exmouth skipper scored 48 from 25 deliveries, hitting six fours.

Tim Piper was the other not out batsman, the skipper was unbeaten on 11 from nine balls faced. Penn was the lone wicket taker and he returned figures of 1-20 in two overs.

Ross Treleaven (0-33) and Brian Jeary (0-28) were the two Topsham bowlers to send down three overs.

Ed Kirby (0-30 in two) and Nick Horne (0-19 in two), were the others to bowl.

The home reply got a solid start as Nick Horne took the attack to the visitors hitting two 4s and one six in a 15-ball stay at the crease that was ended by a leg before  decision in favour of Will Squire.

However, wickets fell at regular intervals and the only other home batsman into double figures was Will Pratt – he was caught by Hardy off the bowling of Will Birley for 19.

Will Grieg (2-12 from two overs), one of seven bowlers used by Bradninch, returned the best figures for the Mid Devon side.

Bradninch now travel to Budleigh Salterton, who beat Cullompton by 52 runs, with the winners of that game qualifying for the area Finals Day being held at Bradninch on July 10.