Runs and wickets for Pillay in Plymouth's win over Bradninch & Kentisbeare | 'We won against a very good side. And with all the other games being off it helped us move up in the table' – Sam Stein

PLYMOUTH defeated reigning champions Bradninch & Kentisbeare by 63 runs in the only Tolchards DCL Premier Division game that beat the bad weather.

What should have been a 30-overs-each game due to a delayed start, was trimmed back to 20-a-side after a break for rain.

Plymouth made 140 for six with Hemanshu Hirani top scoring with 65 and South African Mikyle Pillay making 32 in a stand of 74 for the third wicket between the two of them.

There were two wickets each for B&K captain Gary Chappell (2-19) and Jon Triner (2-43). Malusi Siboto (4-1-11-0) only bowled one boundary ball in his spells.

The Duckworth-Lewis System determined that Bradninch & Kentisbeare needed to make 144 to win, which always looked a long shot after they declined to 48 for seven in reply.

Opener Tim Piper and Ross Acton were B&K’s joint top scorers with 15 each an all-out reply of 80.

Pillay, who finished the domestic season at home in Easterns’ four-day and List A teams, knocked over Mitch Pugh and Triner at the top of the order. Acton and Darren Paul were added lower down to complete a four-for-19 haul.

Hal Kerton (3-21) got into a B&K middle order that was pinned down at one end by miserly bowling from Plymouth skipper Sam Stein. Teddy Haffenden hastened B&K’s demise with two run-outs.

Stein said the stop-start nature of the game was a challenge his batters tackled head on.

“It should have been 30 overs before it rained and we batted conservatively for five overs before it got altered to 20 overs, which put us on the back foot,” said Stein.

“We were left with 15 overs to bat, and Hemanshu batted superbly and set us up with a defendable score.

“Then a great team performance with the ball – Hal and Mekyle were brilliant – was backed-up by exceptional fielding.

“It worked out well in the end. We won against a very good side. And with all the other games being off it helped us move up in the table.”

Chappell was quick to tip his cap in Plymouth’s direction while avoiding the temptation to blame the weather for the result.

“Credit to Plymouth, who played really well and fully deserved the win,” said Chappell.

“An off day for us – we were far from our normal levels – but we'll learn the lessons and go again next week.”

Referring to playing conditions at Mount Wise, Chappell said: “The ground dried pretty well. 

“There were a few soft patches on the square, but sawdust did the job. No issues with bowlers or fielders slipping.

“The world has gone soft! Just get out there and play if possible.”

Plymouth’s win over Bradninch & Kentisbeare took them ahead of Cornwood into fourth place in the Premier table.

Paignton moved-up from second on the grid to pole position, even though they did not play.

Paignton’s lead over Bradninch & Kentisbeare is only three points – and might not last very long. Match of the Day on this Saturday’s Premier Division fixture card looks like the first-versus-second clash between the two teams at Queen’s Park.

If Bradninch & Kentisbeare win at Paignton, they will regain top spot.

“That’s the plan,” said Chappell.