BRADNINCH strengthened their grip on top spot in the A Division with a crushing 10-wicket win at Chudleigh.

Chudleigh were blown away by left-arm seamer Ross Acton, who took five for 14 as the home side crashed to 62 all out.

Cameron Suidgeest was Acton’s new-ball partner in crime with three for 20.

Andy Buzza and Gary Chappell took a wicket each to see off the tail-enders.

Chudleigh were six for nine after an early battering from Acton and Suidgeest and only got to 62 thanks to Will Heather’s 34.

Chudleigh’s woes began in the first over when Acton dismissed Mark Solway and went from bad to worse.

No one else made more than four  - and six batters didn’t manage a run between them.

“Cam and Ross bowled well, but Chudleigh just weren't good enough, although I think they were missing a few,” said Bradninch captain Tim Piper.

“If anything, 62 was a lot more than they should have scored as we dropped Heather which probably cost us 20 or 30 runs in the end.”

Knocking off the runs was a 12-over task for Bradninch openers Chappell (33no) and Acton (24no).

“I don't think I have ever played a game that finished that early, but it was lucky it did,” said Piper.

“The rain came down pretty hard and I don't think we would have got back on.”

Victory puts Bradninch eight points clear of Paignton at the top of the table going into this Saturday’s game against Hatherleigh at Kensham Park.

Foreman said there were mitigating factors, but they could not excuse being all out for 62.

“Two drop outs the day before the game, myself included, affected preparation,” said Foreman.

“From what I have been told there were a few poor shots but also a lot of good bowling.

“The result was to be expected but the manner of it is not good enough.

“If you lose a game you need to lose well.

“One point is a very poor effort from us even with a weak team.

“There is no need to push the panic button, just more application and maturity needed with the bat.”