HATHERLEIGH face another week at least in the Premier Division bottom two despite inflicting a four-wicket defeat on Bradninch & Kentisbeare.

The outgoing Premier champions were skittled for 122 with 15 overs to go – and only got that far thanks to bottom half runs from Tim Piper and Ankit Badwal.

Shrey Ghosh made a composed 57 not out to steer second-bottom Hatherleigh (150pts) to a win that keeps them in touch with Plymouth (156), the team they have to catch to get out of the relegation places.

As fellow strugglers Sidmouth and Plymouth both won as well there is no change in the bottom three.

Hatherleigh keeper Niall Leahy won’t forget this game in a hurry. He claimed six catches and a run-out during the B&K innings.

“It was one of those days when everything came my way,” said Leahy. "Definitely, the most dismissals I have ever been involved in.”

Only former Sidmouth keeper Matt Hewer has documented evidence of a similar day behind the stumps: seven catches against Bovey Tracey back in 2016.

Bradninch & Kentisbeare’s batters were routinely caught behind or in the slips as Jasper Presswell (4-24), Rob Fishleigh (2-37) and Charlie Presswell (2-18) worked through them. If keeper Leahy did not get them, Gareth Tidball or Ghosh in the slips did.

Piper, in a 53 for six, made 37 and tail-ender Badwal (23) to make the final score less embarrassing.

Hatherleigh’s run chase wasn’t without its own issues. Muhammad Ismail (2-34) and Josh Farley (4-33) made sure of that.

Ghosh, in at 26 for one, batted through to the end with chip-ins from Leahy (14) and Charlie Presswell (13) helping things along.

Bradninch & Kentisbeare skipper Gary Chappell admitted there was no way of excusing his side’s performance.

“We were poor,” said Chappell. Not much else to be said. 

“It was one of those days – nine of us nicked it and I ran myself out. 

“Credit to Hatherleigh who deserved the win. But one to forget for us.”