BRADNINCH are guaranteed a second-place finish at the end of their first season back in the Premier Division thanks to a five-wicket win over Exeter.

Exeter made a respectable 268 for six in their 50 overs – led from the top by openers Alex Barrow (74) and Rob Holman (70) with a stand of 105.

Harvey Sargent (66) and Holman added another 76 and there as a bright and breezy 24 from skipper Miles Lenygon.

Taking wickets was hard work with Matt Foster taking three at 20 each. He has 22 wickets for the season, not bad considering he couldn’t bowl due to injury for most of May.

Bradninch knocked off the runs with four balls to spare – Foster showing the way with an anchorman score of 77.

By the time Foster was third out on 204, he had reached 890 league runs for the season. Only Plymouth’s Fiazan Riaz (918) has made more this term.

Ninch skipper Gary Chappell made 79, taking him to 844 runs in league games.

Rory Thomas (39), Andy Buzza (35no) and Tim Piper (29) were the supporting cast.

With one game to go – Heathcoat at home this Saturday – Bradninch are 21 points clear of Exmouth and can’t be overtaken for second place.

Most promoted sides are just happy to hold on and steer clear of the relegation places in their first year.

Bradninch will register their highest finish, better than fourth place n 2009 during their last run in the Premier Division.

“It is some achievement from a promoted side given our availability problems, although every side is in the same boat I guess.

“We do lack the depth other clubs have with our 2nd XI being in the B Division East.”

Lenygon, the Exeter captain, said he was impressed by Bradninch.

“Chappell and Foster batted with real class and Buzza finished it off well at the end,” said Lenygon.

“We batted well on a good pitch that offered enough to the spinners and did the best we could. I have no complaints

“We gave it everything and I'm proud of the boys. Bradninch are a side on a good run who expect to win.”

Exeter go into the final round of matches as one of six team who could go down.

They face Paignton, another of the six in jeopardy, and know the only result that guarantees safety is win.

Any other result leaves Exeter depending on Torquay, Heathcoat, North Devon and Plymouth all doing worse than they do.