BRADNINCH & Kentisbeare scraped home by two wickets against Exeter in a low-scoring affair on the County Ground.
The City side were bowled out in the 38th of their 50 overs with no one making more than opener Oli Gribble (38)
Bradninch & Kentisbeare took the scenic route to victory – they were 78 for six at one stage – but depth of batting got them over the line with more than seven overs unused.
Ross Acton, who would have been the last man in, scored a Premier century against Sidmouth last season at number three, which gives some indication of how much depth B&K enjoy!
Victory keeps Bradninch & Kentisbeare second in the league standings behind leaders Sandford, who defeated Heathcoat in the mid-Devon derby at Creedy Park.
Gary Chappell, the Bradninch & Kentisbeare skipper, said the low-scoring nature of the game made it an intense affair.
“Both sides bowled and fielded really well and made scoring runs hard work,” said Chappell.
“We made a meal out of the chase in all honesty, but those low scores sometimes create funny games.
“And full credit to Exeter for the fight they showed.”
Eddie Steele was the kingpin at the top of the Exeter order with an ultra-patient 36 off 69 balls in more than an hour and a half at the crease. He was sixth out with the score on 72.
Gribble made a lively 38 from 44 balls and was the last man out to B&K’s new signing Madawa Warnapura.
Warnapura, a spin-bowling all-rounder from Sri Lanka, is B&K’s replacement for Yurvaj Singh, who has domestic cricket commitments back home in India. He played for Eppleton in the North West Premier League Division One last season, where he scored more than 800 league runs and took 17 wickets.
Wicket-taking was shared around the B&K attack with two each for Acton, Mitch Pugh and Chappell.
“Bradninch bowled very well up top making it hard for us to get going with the bat,” said Joe Gore, the Exeter captain.
Alex Jarman (2-34) and Billy Buckingham (4-38) made life hard for the Bradninch & Kentisbeare top order. Opener Tim Piper (39 of 75 balls was a notable exception).
Piper was sixth out on 78. After he went backs-to-the-wall batting from Jonathan Triner (19), Andy Buzza (14), Chappell (16no) and Josh Farley (10no) took B&K to victory.
Gore admitted to mixed feelings when he reflected on the way the game played out.
“We were ruthless with the ball and the best we've been in the field,” said Gore.
“To get so close to defending a low score was bitter sweet.
“And it was disappointing not to go all the way after getting them eight down with the finish line in sight.
“To go that deep in the game with a team that'll be up there come the end of the season is encouraging for us.
"It's always hard when opposition's best bats come in at eight and nine!"
