Ross Acton - had Cornwood in trouble but they recovered to win by three wickets<br>credit: www.ppauk.com

CORNWOOD beat Bradninch by three wickets to maintain their unbeaten start to the season, but only after a struggle.

It seemed like the hard work had been down by Craig James and Matt Tamsett, who were largely responsible for dismissing Bradninch for 117.

Skipper Matt Skeemer bowled Bradinch dangerman Gary Chappell with the first ball of the game – that was a welcome bonus – then James went through the middle order to finish with six for 29.

Opener Charlie Sheen made 37, but the next best was 16 not out down the order from former Devon spinner Will Squire. Tamsett (2-13) picked off a couple of tail enders.

Having been 60 for one when Ross Acton was dismissed, Bradninch would have expected a few more runs on the board.

Cornwood’s reply got into difficulties against Bradninch’s left-arm seamer Acton, who took four for 42 as they wobbled from 29 for three to 58 for five and 85 for seven.

Man of the moment for Cornwood was Robin Dart, who went in at 60 for six and batted through for a match-winning 39 not out with James (16no).

Skeemer said it could easily have gone horribly wrong for Cornwood without Dart’s intervention.

“At 60 for six we could easily have been bowled out for 80, but Robin was excellent and showed us all how we should have batted,:” said Skeemer.

Reflecting on the game overall, Skeemer said Cornwood showed their battling qualities when needed.

“The fight back we showed in both innings was brilliant,” said Skeemer

“We didn't start very well in the field, but Craig James came on and bowled a brilliant spell that changed the game.”

Elliot Acton, the Bradninch captain, was clear in his own mind where it all went wrong.

“It was a woeful batting effort to go from 60 for one to 117 all out – say no more,” said the captain.

“We fought well with the ball and had we held a catch off Dart on none at 60 for six I am confident we would have managed to scrape an undeserved win. 

“It has been a big wake up call for us. On to Ivybridge next week with a reshuffled batting order and plenty of batters with something to prove.”