‘COULD do better’ was skipper Pete Bradley’s verdict on Bovey Tracey’s seven-wicket win at Bradninch.
Bradninch were all out for 173 in the last of their 50 overs – a total that looked a little fanciful when they were 82 for six.
Will Greig hit a timely half-century for the Ninch to stave off total collapse.
Bovey were in the driving seat long before their first wicket fell at 119 and were home and dry with 12 overs to go – Josh Mailling top scoring on 72.
Victory keeps Bovey Tracey 23 points clear of Exmouth at the top of the table with a third of the season played.
“It was a good win again, but I would say we are still not firing or even putting in a 100 per cent performance,” said Bradley.
“Fair play to Will Greig for coming off for them, but we need to learn to bowl to plans and fields.
“We can still can improve, but obviously delighted to be six from six.”
Gary Chappell, the Bradninch captain, said there was nothing he could complain about having lost to a better side.
“Bovey did a great job of containing us and we didn’t get enough runs,” said Chappell.
“Then we dropped five catches and you are never going to win a game doing that, let alone defending 170 against a good side.
“We have had a good run up to now and it is probably the kick up the backside we needed to realise we need to work harder and not be complacent.”
Chappell opened up with 23 for Bradninch – he was second out at 25 – but Rory Thomas and Mark Ashplant both failed, although Ashplant’s 32-ball duck meant he hung around.
Matt Foster (24) got on and got out to Toby Codd (2-27) and Tim Piper dug in for 80 balls to make 37.
It was slow going at times – Codd and in particular Ryan Bougourd (10-1-13-1) gave little away – and at 82 for six with Ross Acton gone for four Bradninch were on the ropes.
Greig and Piper added 40 then Will Squire (15) added 30 more.
Greig was ninth out to former Bradninch team-mate Matt Golding, who cleared out last man Max Cooper with his next ball.
Bovey went off in hot pursuit, led by skipper Peter Bradley (41) and Mailling with a stand of 72.
Andy Buzza had Bradley stumped them bowled Mailling at 132.
“It was great to see Josh Mailing bat well and get big runs,” said Bradley.
Golding (18) was the only other casualty as Bovey eased to victory, Andy Fairbairn 27 not out when the job was done.
