By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

GARY Chappell battered the Exeter bowling for a rapid 158 as Bradninch beat the city side by 56 runs in Premier Central.

Opener Chappell slammed 21 fours and three sixes as Bradninch hurtled to 271 for six in their 45 overs.

By the time Chappell was fifth out on 260 he had put on 93 with Thom Bunker (25), 79 with new signing Mitch Pugh (31) and 75 with Will Squire (23).

It was Chappell’s eighth 1st XI ton for Bradninch. He also has one in the book for Exmouth.

Exeter’s bowlers were largely under the cosh, although youngster Toby Jones (1-27 off 7) was the exception.

Chappell, who faced 137 balls, was dismissed in the 42nd over when Sam Read (2-51) had him caught behind going for a second successive six in the same over.

Exeter must have felt they were playing Chappell on his own as the left-arm spinner then took four of their wickets for 24 runs as they were bowled out for 215.

At 180 for two thanks to sizeable contributions from Ben Abrahams (33), Dom Tuohey (49) and Sam Read, who was unbeaten on 61, Exeter were still in the game with 11 overs to go.

Read’s departure to Eliot Acton sparked a collapse from 180 for two to 190 for six that ended the game as a contest

Chappell, Acton (2-59) and Ankit Badwal (3-42) had Exeter all out for 215 with more than three overs to go.

Acton, the Bradninch captain, said Chappell’s innings was the launchpad to victoty.

“Gary’s innings was magnificent,” said Acton.

“It was a faultless knock and the best possible platform so others could just chip in around him. 

“Exeter gave it a good go chasing – Sam Reid hit the ball hard and looks a talented player – but I was always confident we had enough runs to defend.”

Middleton, who has been handed the on-field captaincy for the rest of the season, said the learning experience was what mattered from the game.

“Young players are learning a lot playing a higher than usual standard of cricket,” said Middleton.

“We had a chat after the game and are looking to put a lot of things we spoke about right.”

A lesson no doubt taken on board is what happens when you don’t take your catches.

“We dropped a few early chances, which proved very costly,” said Middleton.

“It was difficult to contain Bradninch, who where able to bat around Chappell. “Our young bowling attack made it tough to bowl to plans and set fields. 

“It was always going to be tough to chase 270, but we gave ourselves a chance with good first, second and third-wicket partnerships.

“After that we ran out of steam.”

Bradninch are at home to Cullompton this Saturday.