MITCH Pugh helped himself to a century for Bradninch & Kentisbeare in a 77-run win over Exmouth that keeps them second in the Tolchards DCL Premier Division table.

Pugh made 118 off 131 balls – 15 fours, one six ­– in a Bradninch & Kentisbeare tally of 237 for eight.

By the time Pugh was the fourth man out on 207 he had put on 41 with Tim Piper (18) and 105 with Yurvaj Singh (41). Jonathan Triner chipped in with a brisk 23 in the latter overs.

Cam Kidd (2-31) and Pete Turnbull (2-44) sent down respectable spells for Exmouth when the ball was new. Dan Pyle took three wickets in one over in his second spell to finish with four for 43.

Exmouth were behind the clock at 41 for five after 15 overs. Ross Acton (2-26) and Singh (2-19) were the bowlers who did the damage. Losing opener Louis Morison first ball did Exmouth no favours

Kidd (30) stopped the rot at one end, but Andy Buzza (3-51) nibbled away at his former Exmouth team-mates from the other.

Billy Reed belted five fours and three sixes in a defiant 42 near the end before he was the last man out for Exmouth on 160.

Bradninch & Kentisbeare remain just four points behind leaders Sandford approaching the halfway stage of the season this Saturday when Bradninch & Kentisbeare visit Exeter. Exmouth are still fifth in the table.

Eliot Acton, who reprised his old job as B&K captain in the absence of skipper Gary Chappell, said it was mostly a convincing win.

For the first 75 overs, we were very impressive,” said Acton.

“Mitch was exceptional with the bat and others batted around him well as Exmouth bowled well up-front. 

“We got on top early when we bowled and killed the chase before it started. All bowlers player their part. 

“If I was being really critical, we could have finished it off a bit more quickly, but the work was done. 

“A completely dominant win against a side that felt the pressure was on us to perform so we obliged.”

Fin Marks, the Exmouth captain, said he was largely happy with his side’s bowling performance, but it went wrong when they batted.

“I felt we bowled reasonably well. But thought they were perhaps at par or slightly over,” said Marks.

“Losing Louis first ball wasn't ideal and we never really recovered. They bowled very well.

“Bradninch & Kentisbeare are a top team and hard to beat. It showed … especially at home.”