ABBOTSKERSWELL skipper Nick Watkin had a pretty shrewd idea where it went wrong against promotion-chasing Bradninch.
Abbots lost the game by exactly 40 runs and are in limbo land two places and seven points ahead of the relegation places in the A Division.
“Our first half with the ball cost us the game,” said Watkin.
“We gave away 40 extras and ended up losing the game by 40 runs.
“However, all credit to Bradninch for having the worst of the conditions and posting a score that proved too many in the end.”
Openers Thom Bunker (38) and Gary Chappell (37) gave the Ninch a 100-run start. Kian Burns (23) and Tim Piper (27) kept the board ticking over toward the eventual total of 197 for five in 37 overs.
James Williams (2-40) was the only Abbots' bowler to take more than one wicket
Abbots had a lot to do after dipping to nine for two, 48 for four and 79 for five with Elliott Adams (29) the only batter to linger long.
Charlie Dowling (59) and Richard Acton (23) added 71 for the sixth wicket to get Abbots back in the game.
It all went wrong after Burns ran out Richard Acton. Abbots lost their last five wickets for seven runs en-route to 157 all out.
Craig Penberthy (3-24) finished Abbots off after Charlie Sheen, Gary Chappell, Ross Acton and Josh Farley softened them up.
Watkin said there were highlights to pluck from the wreckage of Abbots’ 12thdefeat of the season.
“Positives from the game included a great knock by Charlie Dowling and good contributions from Elliott Adams and Richard Acton,” said Watkin.
“James Williams and Connor Adams showed everyone else how to bowl.
“Two games to go and we know we are going to have to battle hard if we want to preserve our A Division status.”
Winning captain Eliot Acton said: “It was a good result for us having been stuck in on a really wet one.
“Gary Chappell and Thom bunker set a good platform and Ross Acton and Tim Piper did well in the last 10 overs.
“Abbots gave us a good run for our money whilst Dowling was in, but I always felt we would win.”
With two games to go it is wide open at the top where Cornwood (259pts), Hatherleigh (256), Bradninch (246) and Budleigh (240) are battling it out for two promotion places.
Acton has been consistent in the view that his side have more to do than anyone to get promoted and that’s not changed.
“Cornwood and Hatherleigh are the big favourites now, but we will try to keep winning and see where we land up,” said Acton.
“We still need a massive favour from someone…”
