Bradninch & Kentisbeare come out on top in see-saw game | 'Josh Farley again got the big wickets and Ismail's spell at the death was superb' – Gary Chappell

BRADNINCH & Kentisbeare are up to fifth in the Premier Division table thanks to a 19-run win over Plymouth

That’s two wins on the reel for the defending champions, who have picked-up 39 points from the last 40 up for grabs.

Gary Chappell, the B&K captain, said: “An important win and nice to be on the right side of a close one this time.”

Defeat leaves Plymouth where they were going into round eight of 18: four off the bottom with six points between them and Tavistock in the second relegation place.

Bradninch & Kentisbeare made 268 for seven in 50 overs, which did not look enough when Plymouth were 195 for three with 10 overs to go and skipper Teddy Haffenden on the way to a brisk half-century.

The chase slowed after Haffenden’s departure and 45 to win from the final five overs proved too many for Plymouth, even with four wickets intact. The ran out of time on 249 for eight.

Chappell (47) and Dan Hardy (76) were Bradninch & Kentisbeare’s leading run-getters. Surprisingly, there was no stand greater than 46 in such a large total. Chip-ins were provided by Josh Farley and Jon Triner with 26 each, Muhammad Ismail (20) and 26 extras.

“Dan Hardy played very well again and was well supported with lots of cameos and partnerships," said Chappell.

Saiesh Reddy (1-39) was the most frugal of Plymouth’s bowlers. Jonty Rapulana, Sam Stein and John Kerridge claimed two wickets each.

“After a difficult start we pulled it back really well with the ball,” said Plymouth captain Teddy Haffenden.

“Our energy in the field was the best it’s been this season and all the bowlers stuck to plan really well. 

“Would’ve been useful to pick up a few wickets earlier and made it harder for them to accelerate.”

Plymouth made competent progress in reply with James Webb (66) and Rapulana (29) wiping out the deficit.

Haffenden, in at 131 for three, put on 64 with Webb as the target came down. Farley (2-40) spinning out Haffenden for 215 for five was the turning point. Chappell (2-51) Triner (3-54) and Muhammad Ismail in his second spell did the damage to the lower order as Plymouth’s prospects faded away.

“Plymouth chased it well and nearly had the game won,” said Chappell. “But Josh Farley again got the big wickets and Ismail's spell at the death was superb.”

“James Webb batted superbly – really pleased for him – but we just lost momentum at key points in the chase and ultimately cost us,” replied Haffenden.

“Feel hard done by to only come away with seven points, but a really encouraging performance from the boys.”