North Devon batsman Darren Butler, who top scored with 43 in the rain-ruined game against Bradninch at Instow Photo: Fiona Tyson<br>credit: Fiona Tyson

By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

BRADNINCH picked-up 10 points from a no-result game at North Devon, but will have left Instow feeling it could have been a lot more.

North Devon made 153 for six in 37 overs – South African left-hander Darren Butler top scoring in 43 – with Bradninch 84 for one when rain brought a premature halt to proceedings in the 14th over.

As Bradninch had not reached the 20-over mark when rain swept in, the Duckworth Lewis System could not be used and the game was abandoned as draw.

Bradninch captain Gary Chappell, who was 39 not out when the game ended, struggled to hide his disappointment at having a winning position snatched away.North Devon seamer Jay Rothery hurls down a delivery to Bradninch captain Gary Chappell Photo: Fiona Tyson

“The weather stitched us up unfortunately, but that's the way things are going for us so far this season,” said Chappell

“Credit to all at North Devon – and the umpires – for doing their best to get a game on in what were pretty awful conditions.”

Tom Popham, the North Devon captain, fully agreed with Chappell’s assessment of the conditions.

“We were on and off all day,” said Popham.

‘We tried to get a game out of it but in the end that wasn't possible. Not a day for cricket, put it that way.”

Opener Ben Howe made 24 of the first 34 runs on North Devon’s side of the scorebook. Butler kept the runs coming and there were chip-ins from James Tyson (26) and Jack Hockin (27) towards the final total.

There were two wickets each for Bradninch bowlers Mitch Pugh and Josh Farley – and plenty of hard graft without reward for left-armer Ross Acton.

“Watching Ross (0-52) try to bowl into a gale force wind was worth the day out,” said Chappell.

Tim Piper (23) was the batsman out in Bradninch’s reply.

North Devon batsmen Rob Ayre (left) and Jack Hockin talk tactics during a break in play in the game against Bradninch Photo: Fiona Tyson