BRADNINCH & Kentisbeare stay right behind leaders Sandford at the top of the Premier Division table after they defeated lowly Paignton by 111 runs.
Skipper Gary Chappell played the anchorman role for B&K with a watchful knock of 76. Chappell, who opened up, was involved in partnerships that added 209 runs to the tally before he was the sixth man out.
Along the way there were stands of 80 with Nic Bayly (45) and 81 with Jonathan Triner (56). Triner was the last man out in a B&K total of 240 for nine.
Three Paignton bowlers – Abhay Negi, Cole Harford and Rory Medlock took two wickets each. Sam Woodcock (1-30) bowled at less than four an over.
Paignton reached 96 for three in response without too many issues. Brenton Pedley (27), Charlie Ward (29) and skipper Noah Wright (19) all contributing.
Paignton’s middle-order batting was dismantled by left-armer Ross Acton, who dismissed Wright with the first ball of his second spell and then went through the card as Paignton collapsed to 129 all out.
Acton finished with six Paignton wickets for 30 runs scored by the time he finished. Josh Farley (2-30) was also involved in the mopping-up.
Losing captain Wright admitted he was disappointed not to take more out of the game considering the low target for victory.
“Chappell batted nicely – and Bradninch batted around him to get them to what we thought was only a par score on a decent track with a rapid outfield
“Although Brenton Pedley and Charlie Ward batted well together, we lost regular wickets.”
Chappell said it may seem a comfortable win for his side, but added ‘it was hard work at times’.
“Paignton bowled and fielded well,” said Chappell. “But our young lads did the job again.
“While I was plodding around at the other end, Nic Bayly and Jon Triner played superb innings to get us to a well-above-par score.
“It was great having Ross Acton back fit and firing and he bowled very well for his six wickets.
“Josh Farley bowled another good spell and Yuvi Singh again set the tone early, without much luck.”
There is a 14-point gap between table-topping Sandford (95) and Chappell’s men (81). That should change this Saturday – weather permitting – as the title rivals meet at Creedy Park.
