Runs and wickets for Chappell (pictured) as B&K send Tavistock to the bottom | 'With key players missing its was a great win' – Gary Chappell

TAVISTOCK have hit rock bottom in the Tolchards DCL Premier Division after suffering a 15-run defeat at home against patched-up Bradninch & Kentisbeare.

One way or another the Moorlanders have managed to stay off the bottom of the table for the first nine rounds of the season. Sidmouth’s sudden upturn in fortunes – 39 points from the last 40 on offer – mean they and Tavistock have traded places.

This Saturday’s meeting on the Fortfield between Sidmouth and Tavistock is a must-win affair for both sides.

Tavistock appeared to have done the difficult part by dismissing last season’s Premier champions for 158.

Charlie Barriball took three wickets in two spells – and ran out B&K opener and captain Gary Chappell – and there were two wickets each for spin twins Elliot Hamilton (2-32) and Shaun Daymond (2-43). Rhys Davies (3.00) and Tom Clarke (2.20) kept it tight.

Chappell – sixth out on 107 – top scored for B&K with 47. Next best were 34 wides and Sean Strange with 27.

Tavistock stumbled to 19 for three in reply as Chappell (4-15) got into the top order. Davies (23) and Billy Barriball (24) appeared to be turning things round during a stand of 41 for the fourth wicket.

Davies, whose 85-ball stay included just one boundary hit, got the tally up to 90 for six. The chase continued with Dave Manning (19) and skipper Sean Cleave (15no).

The game was won and lost for Bradninch by Charlie Sheen, who snared Manning lbw with the third ball of his second spell and added two more for figures of four for 28 that dismissed Tavistock for 143.

Skipper Cleave is well aware of the predicament Tavistock are in. but feels there are positives to focus in the last eight games.

“Our bowlers were good, especially with Ahmad Hassan unable the bowl this week due to an injury,” said Cleave. “Charlie Barriball really stepped-up and was superb.

“The problems are there with the batting. We know what they are but yet we still find ourselves in a good position with some huge games coming up.

“We must stay positive, enjoy the remaining games we have left and see what we can do.”

Chappell said with numerous ‘key players missing’ – no Farley, no Pugh, no Lamey, no Hardy – it was a ‘great win’.

 “The lads stepped up and did a great job,” said Chappell. “Full credit to George Connolly, who was making his debut at 15 and bowled well.

“Charlie Sheen, after not playing cricket for three years, took four wickets. And the batting partnership between Sean Strange and Will Greig was crucial to get us a competitive score. 

“Selection headache this week, and not sure who's going to bring the Eton mess, but at least we may have 11 guys with kit.”