BRADNINCH & Kentisbeare skipper Gary Chappell is already looking ahead to the challenge of completing a hat-trick of Premier Division titles in 2026.

Chappell’s men topped the Tolchards DCL Premier Division last summer and retained the crown in the season that came to a soggy end a few days ago.

Bradninch & Kentisbeare also claimed the silverware in 2022, but were pipped by Sandford 12 months later for the top prize in Devon cricket.

A number of teams have won back-to-back titles: Heathcoat in 2019 and 2021 (Covid killed the 2020 season), Sandford (2003-04), Exmouth (1998-99), Torquay (1996-97), Barton (1983-84) and Exeter (1979-80).

No one has performed the Premier hat-trick since Sidmouth did between 2008-2010. Exeter (1977, 79-80) and Sandford (2001, 03-04) had near misses.

The daddy of them is the Exmouth team (1990-95) with six wins on the reel.

Said Chappell: “It's quite amazing that we've won it three times in four years as not many teams do that.

“To turn up week after week and find that drive to go again is hard work and credit to the lads’ attitudes. 

“We see what it means to our supporters and everyone involved in the club and that helps to push us on. 

“The future of Devon Cricket looks bright and I'm looking forward to next season and challenging ourselves to go again against three or four likely teams who will also have a fair shout to win it.

“As for the future, we'll look to strengthen and go again. But we're well aware we've had four great years and many sides are improving. It won't be easy at all.”

Chappell did not give a definitive list of potential title rivals, but certainly offered a few clues in his assessment of the season just ended.

“I liked how Fin Marks (Exmouth) went after us with the pressure chat and how Harry Ward leads his young Paignton side,” said Chappell.

“Overall, it's been a fun year against a lot of good cricket sides and lads around the circuit. 

“I think the umpiring has been more consistent this season and the playing standard went up a notch with the next generation improving.

“It was great to see individuals making their first county appearances, 100s and so on.”

Chappell also had a work of praise for North Devon captain Jack Moore, whose often blunt media comments hit the mark with him.

Successful captains generally don’t like picking out individuals for particular praise, preferring to go with comments such as ‘a great team effort’.

Chappell can point to numerous match-winning contributions from one to 11 in the scorebook, but picked out two young cricketers for personal pats on the back.

“During the first half of the season we didn't score enough top-order runs – myself a big part of that – and our bowling bailed us out,” said Chappell.

“It was the depth of batting, and hunger the middle/lower order showed to win us games, was amazing to see when many would just roll over.

“I could name everyone but Jon Triner and Josh Farley, as two young lads, constantly stood out and consistently won us games in very tough situations.

“Josh and Jon displayed character and maturity was well above their age and we were lucky to have them at the club.