Bradninch 1st XI versus Plymouth Civil Service 1st XI 
Saturday 21st June 2003 at Plymouth

Being asked to field first on a high scoring pitch gave Bradninch the chance to control the game and prove they could chase runs on an equitable surface after tea. Not an easy task though as a good batting track, fast outfield and tight boundaries behind each wicket made containment difficult with line and length as always the key.

An opening spell where Ross Acton struggled to control the new ball swing and Paul Nott compensated by tying up the other end in his usual miserly fashion, combined to keep the run rate under control until the tenth over when a flourish of on drives prompted a change of bowling. Andy Nichols stepped up to deliver another first over wicket as an ambitious off drive nicked a straightforward catch to Ross, perfectly positioned at short third man.

Introducing Joel Murphy to bowl in tandem with Andy restricted the Plymouth batsmen as the conditions rendered four runs per over a good result for the fielding side, even though wickets were at a premium. With Moloney anchoring the innings and receiving a good return for his relentless front foot manoeuvres, the score moved to a threatening 130 for 2 with 20 plus overs remaining.

However, a good second spell from Ross and a niggling length from Andy produced a batch of four wickets as the total moved in a more controlled manner to 168 for 6. The number eight joined the resolute opener and with one end looking vulnerable Bradninch set their sights on a swift conclusion to the innings. It might well have been but for an expensive miss at long off before Newton had got his eye in which prompted a final onslaught that posted a challenging 235 for 6, as Moloney and Newton carried their bats. (Andy Nichols 3-58, Ross Acton 2-47, P. Moloney 86 not out, S. Dibben 34 and C. Newton 32 not out).

A fortuitously light tea served to refresh the Bradninch side and they appeared confident as the batsmen sensed the total was well within their reach. Chris and Gary opened up and welcomed a tame Plymouth attack with easy runs on either side of the wicket. Regulation placement punctuated by boundaries off the one bad ball per over moved the score to 100 off 23 overs before Gary fell LBW stepping in to a low accurate delivery.

Tim Piper joined Chris and proceeded to frustrate the opposition, who could not cope with an appeal for a caught behind, turned down before he scored. Two lusty blows from Chris took the score neatly to 110, but a leading edge in the next over left 126 to score off 22 overs and with two new batsmen at the crease, the Plymouth players had a brief but deceiving glimpse of success. The constant sledging served to inspire Tim as he and Joel mastered a well-judged run chase and when Joel was out in the 42nd over, there were just 25 runs to get off 29 balls.

Tim followed quickly but Bradninch trump card Paul Nott, all but sealed the victory with two big sixes in the 44th over, leaving Ross Acton and Nat Davey to pass the Plymouth total with an over to spare. (Chris Acton 64, Tim Piper 54, Joel Murphy 44, Gary Newall 33, D. Bayliss 3-70 and P. Bayliss 2-42). Bradninch 18 points, Plymouth Civil Service 7.

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