BRADNINCH have dropped into the Premier Division relegation places after suffering a six-wicket defeat at the hands of Sidmouth.
Zac Bess helped himself to five wickets as Bradninch were bowled out for 117 with more than 15 of their 50 overs to come.
Sidmouth had the runs knocked off with more than 22 overs to go, skipper Luke Bess making 40 to set up the chase.
Bradninch, who finished second behind champions Bovey Tracey last term, are now one off the bottom.
Gary Chappell, the Bradninch skipper, accepts the team isn’t playing well but remains confident of pulling things round.
“We are either batting poorly, bowling poorly or fielding poorly,” said Chappell.
“We have some talented players and I have confidence that it will come good soon enough if we work hard and have the right attitude.”
Tendai Maruma (25) and Rory Thomas (31) were the only batters in the top half to make significant scores. Eliot Acton (22) resisted lower down the order.
Zak Bess (5-24) did most of the damage. Will Murray (2-36) lent a helping hand.
Acton (2-15) had some success when Bradninch bowled, knocking off openers Josh Bess and Matt Cooke in the first four overs.
Luke Bess and Awiva Mgijima (12) accelerated the chase, leaving Zac Bess (27no) and Declan Lines (16) administer the last rites.
Maruma (2-27 off 10) was the most effective of the Bradninch bowlers.
Winning captain Luke Bess said although his side won, there were other factors to remember.
“We bowled and fielded well, but it's not lost on us that Bradninch were missing a few players,” said Bess.
“With the batting we had a slight wobble again, still plenty of work to be done.”
